Former President Rodrigo Duterte is facing two setbacks as the International Criminal Court (ICC) prepares to decide if his alleged crimes against humanity will go to trial.
The court rejected Duterte’s lawyers’ requests to get more information about certain witnesses and see less-redacted versions of key documents.
The judges said protecting the identities of victims and witnesses is more important than giving the defense full access to all details.
Duterte’s team also tried to remove the lawyers representing the victims of his drug war, claiming a conflict of interest. The court dismissed this argument, saying it was “speculative” and not proven.
Evidence updates
Both sides were allowed to add more evidence to their case. Duterte’s team added 108 items, while prosecutors added 14. The judges said these additions were relevant and fair.
What happens next
The ICC will hold a “confirmation of charges” hearing from February 23 to 27. This hearing will decide if there’s enough evidence for Duterte to face trial for crimes linked to his anti-drug campaign as mayor of Davao City and later as president.
Duterte, 80, will not attend the hearing, citing his health and refusal to recognize the ICC’s authority. He has been held at the ICC detention facility in The Hague since March 2025.
