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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICC prosecutor opposes Duterte bid to skip confirmation hearing

ICC prosecutor opposes Duterte bid to skip confirmation hearing

Published Feb 20, 2026 06:54 am
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC Photos)
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC Photos)
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution has formally opposed former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request to waive his right to personally attend the confirmation of charges hearing set for Feb. 23, 2026.
In a public redacted filing, the Office of the Prosecutor asked Pre-Trial Chamber I to reject Duterte’s request, arguing there is no sufficient legal basis to excuse him from appearing before the court.
The prosecution maintained that it is for the Chamber—not the accused—to determine whether there are grounds to hold the hearing in absentia.
It stressed that Duterte is physically and mentally fit to participate in the proceedings, noting that he had been examined by independent medical experts.
The filing also argued that the defense’s position—anchored on claims that the ICC has no jurisdiction and that Duterte was “kidnapped” and unlawfully surrendered—does not justify waiving his right to attend.
According to the prosecution, personal attendance is essential to ensure the integrity and transparency of the proceedings, particularly given the gravity of the charges and the interests of participating victims.
The prosecutor further said allowing the former president to skip the hearing without compelling reasons would be inconsistent with the Rome Statute framework governing confirmation proceedings.
The confirmation of charges hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to send Duterte to trial for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the anti-drug campaign.
Early this week, Duterte, arrested in March 2025, decided to waive his right to appear at the confirmation hearing, reiterating his argument that the court lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines following its withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
He also described his transfer to The Hague as unlawful and politically motivated, a claim that Malacañang has repeatedly denied.
In a previous development, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber rejected Duterte’s attempt to seek leave to appeal the ruling declaring him fit to stand in pre-trial proceedings.
The Chamber has likewise authorized hundreds of victims to participate in the confirmation stage, bringing the total number of participating victims to more than 500.
Duterte remains in ICC custody in The Hague pending the outcome of the confirmation of charges hearing later this month.

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