He will be facing trial at the international court.
On Thursday, April 23, the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) unanimously decided to confirm all the charges filed against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
The said case, according to the court, comprise of three counts of crimes against humanity brought by the Prosecutor against him.
The Pre-Trial Chamber I committed Duterte to trial before a Trial Chamber after finding that there are substantial grounds to believe that the former chief executuve is responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder over his bloody war on drugs, pursuant to article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute—where the Philippines was a signatory of between November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019.
“These crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population on the territory of the Republic of the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019 in the context of the “war on drugs” campaign,” the court noted.
The Pre-Trial Chamber I also noted that it based its decision on the evidence and arguments presented by the Prosecutor and the Defence during the confirmation of charges hearing held from February 23 to 27, 2026.
Furthermore, they also reviewed the submissions and documents of the parties and participants, including participating victims.
It also ruled that Duterte ran a state killing machine whose order to “neutralize” criminals ultimately meant one thing: to kill them.
The court also said that after this decision, the ICC Presidency will constitute a Trial Chamber, which will be composed of three new judges, who shall henceforth be responsibke for conducting the subsequent phase of proceedings.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I also clarified that neither of the Defense or Prosecution are entitled to appeal the decision, and must seek authorization from the chamber itself to do so.
As for an Interim Release, the ICC said that Duterte has the right to request for one and it is for the judges to decide whether to grant him one or not.
“Trials at the ICC are fair and impartial, and the Defence will have sufficient time to prepare its case, while respecting the rights of victims,” they continued.
With this development, Duterte is the first ever Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC.
MALACAÑANG REACTS
In its statement, the Malacañan Palace said it respects the ruling of the International Criminal Court confirming all charges of crimes against humanity against former President Duterte.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, “We respect the ruling of ICC that confirms all charges of crimes against humanity against former President Duterte.”
“Hustisya ang kailangang makuha sa mga kasong ito. Parehong partido ay makikinabang rito. Hustisya para sa akusado kung walang sala o hustisya rin sa mga biktima kung naabuso naman ang kanilang karapatan,” she added.