Philippines
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is advancing its case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, focusing on alleged crimes against humanity during his tenure. Despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed prior to the withdrawal date.
From February 23 to 27, 2026, the ICC conducted a confirmation of charges hearing to assess whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. The prosecution presented evidence related to Duterte's anti-drug campaign, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.
Duterte's defense team has contested the ICC's jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines' withdrawal nullifies the court's authority. However, the ICC asserts that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was a member state.
This case is pivotal in defining the reach of international judicial bodies over former heads of state and underscores the complexities of jurisdiction in international law. A decision to proceed to trial could set a significant precedent for accountability in cases involving alleged state-sponsored crimes.
The ICC is expected to issue a decision on whether to proceed to trial within 60 days following the confirmation of charges hearing.
