ICC confirms charges vs Duterte, orders trial to proceed
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed all charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte, paving the way for a full trial over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The decision came a day after the ICC Appeals Chamber affirmed the court’s jurisdiction over Duterte’s case.
In a 50-page decision dated April 23, Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that there are “substantial grounds to believe” that Duterte committed the crimes charged, thus committing the case to trial.
The Chamber said the confirmation of charges means the case has met the threshold required to proceed to trial, where guilt or innocence will be determined.
Charges confirmed
The case centers on allegations of crimes against humanity, particularly murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians.
The prosecution presented incidents and victims as part of a broader pattern of alleged killings linked to the anti-drug campaign.
The Chamber noted that the incidents cited constitute a “non-exhaustive list,” suggesting that the scale of the alleged crimes may be broader than those specifically enumerated.
Role and responsibility
The ICC said Duterte is accused of playing a central role in the alleged campaign, both as Davao City mayor and later as President.
Prosecutors alleged that he was at the “apex” of a structure that carried out the supposed widespread attack.
The Chamber said Duterte may be held liable under multiple modes of responsibility, including indirect co-perpetration, ordering or inducing crimes, and aiding or abetting their commission.
Evidence threshold met
The Pre-Trial Chamber emphasized that the standard at this stage is not proof beyond reasonable doubt, but whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds for trial.
“The primary purpose of the confirmation proceedings is to decide whether the case… is sufficiently established to warrant a trial,” the Chamber said.
It added that the evidence must go beyond “mere theory or suspicion.”
Trial to determine guilt
The ICC clarified that the confirmation of charges does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Instead, it ensures that only cases with a sufficient evidentiary basis proceed to trial.
Final determinations on Duterte’s liability, including the credibility of witnesses and the weight of evidence, will be made by the Trial Chamber.
Background
Duterte was arrested in March 2025 and transferred to The Hague, where he is currently detained.
He faces charges stemming from alleged killings carried out between 2011 and 2019 during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as President.
The confirmation of charges follows hearings held in February 2026 and comes a day after the ICC Appeals Chamber affirmed the Court’s jurisdiction over the case.
The trial is expected to be one of the most closely watched proceedings involving a former head of state before the ICC.