ICC Weighs Evidence in Landmark Case vs. Duterte

The confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte opened with a forceful declaration from International Criminal Court (ICC) Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, who said the case marks “an important day for international justice” and a reminder that “those in power are not above the law.”

Niang accused Duterte of being at the “very heart of the common plan” to neutralize alleged criminals in the Philippines including through murder during the administration’s controversial war on illegal drugs.

“His contributions were essential,” Niang told the court, arguing that Duterte was central to what prosecutors describe as a systematic campaign of violence.

‘CRIMINAL PLAN IS NO SECRET’

The prosecution said the crimes against humanity charges represent only a “small fraction of the overall criminality” allegedly linked to the anti-drug campaign.

Niang cited Duterte’s public speeches during his presidential campaign and early months in office, saying the former leader openly encouraged a hardline crackdown. He also pointed to Duterte’s alleged practice of publicly naming drug suspects and maintaining watch lists.

According to the prosecution, Duterte provided both “moral and financial support” to the campaign, including alleged shoot-to-kill directives and financial incentives for operatives.

Niang also referenced Duterte’s 2016 State of the Nation Address (SONA), where the former president warned suspected drug offenders not to expect protection from human rights advocates or religious leaders.

SYSTEMATIC ATTACK ALLEGED

The prosecution said it will present evidence to show a “systematic attack against the civilian population” a key legal threshold for crimes against humanity.

Niang added that several alleged co-conspirators also made public statements supporting the anti-drug campaign.

Earlier in the proceedings, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I outlined three counts of crimes against humanity against Duterte:

• Murder in Davao City during his term as mayor, involving 19 alleged victims between 2013 and June 2016.

• Murder of so-called “high-value targets” across the Philippines during his presidency, with 14 alleged victims from July 2016 to July 2017.

• Murder and attempted murder during barangay clearance operations, involving 45 alleged victims 43 killed and two surviving between July 2016 and September 2018.

  
  

WHAT COMES NEXT

The confirmation of charges hearing is not yet a trial. Instead, judges will determine whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to move forward.

If the charges are confirmed, Duterte will face a full trial before the ICC a historic legal battle that could redefine accountability for state-led anti-drug operations and test the reach of international justice over former heads of state.

For victims’ families and supporters, the proceedings represent a long-awaited step toward accountability. For Duterte and his allies, the case is expected to trigger a fierce legal and political defense.

The world now watches as the ICC weighs whether the former Philippine president will stand trial for crimes against humanity.