What you need to know about Rodrigo Duterte's ICC confirmation hearing this February

The International Criminal Court has released details regarding the confirmation hearing of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to ICC's Jan. 28 news release, the hearing is set to commence on Feb. 23 at 5 p.m., Philippine time, before the court's Pre-Trial Chamber I.

Duterte faces charges for crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder, linked to his war on drugs from 2011 to 2019. Following a warrant issued in early 2025, he was arrested by Philippine authorities and surrendered to the ICC on March 12.

While his first appearance took place on March 14, 2025, the hearing to confirm charges was delayed after his defense questioned his fitness to stand trial. However, on Jan. 26, the court ruled that Duterte is fit to proceed, allowing the legal process to resume.

The court has also provided relevant guidelines for the hearing. Here are things that you need to know. 

When is the hearing?

The hearings will take place on Feb. 23, 24, 26, and 27 in ICC Courtroom I. Each day follows a three-session schedule: the first begins at 5 p.m. (Philippine time), followed by sessions at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

ICC noted that the schedule is subject to change "if warranted by developments in the proceedings, as deemed necessary by the Chamber."

What is the purpose of the hearing?

The confirmation of charges hearing will determine whether there are substantial grounds that an accused committed the crimes charged. If one or more of the charges are confirmed, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber for the actual trial, the next phase of the proceedings.

For this trial, the Chamber adopted special adjustments as recommended by the Detention Centre’s Medical Officer and the medical experts' panel to facilitate Duterte’s participation in the pre-trial proceedings. The Registry of the Court will ensure that all relevant recommended measures and adjustments are enforced during the hearings.

The judges have also limited the number of days of hearings to no more than four per week, including breaks during the hearings every one hour; and limited the total duration of hearings per day to no more than three hours.

Who will be at the hearing? 

The jury that will decide on the proceedings is the Pre-Trial Chamber I, composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc and Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera.

The Prosecution, the Defence, and legal representatives of the victims will make oral submissions before the judges to present their arguments on the merits. 

Where to watch the hearing?

The hearing can be viewed on the ICC website, ICC Facebook accounts, and the ICC YouTube Channel with a 30-minute delay.

How to join the hearing? 

Members of the diplomatic corps and civil society groups can request to join the hearing by sending an email to ICCVisits@icc-cpi.int. Members of the media can also be accredited by emailing PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int. Emails must be sent before Feb. 16, and attendees must have a valid passport and a valid ID to show at the court's main entrance.

A limited number of the public can also attend the proceedings on a first-come, first-served basis. They are advised to arrive at least one hour before the hearing.

Filming or photography in the court building is strictly prohibited except in the media area. Rules of decorum can be viewed on the ICC website and must be observed.