The Filipino people, especially the families of victims of the fake war on drugs, closely followed the hearing for the confirmation of charges against Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber 1. The hearing began on February 23 and concluded on February 27.

Led by the Duterte Panagutin Network, a protest was held in front of the ICC in The Hague, The Netherlands on February 23. Participants include progressive groups based in the Netherlands, victims of the fake war on drugs, and their supporters and lawyers.

In the Philippines, a candle lighting and mass took place at Malate Church in Manila on February 22 as a prelude to the opening of the hearing the following day. On the day of the hearing, families of victims gathered at UP Diliman for a forum and protest action before returning to the campus to collectively watch the live stream of the proceedings. The hearing began at 10 a.m. in The Hague (5 p.m. in the Philippines). Another protest was held on the final day of the hearing.

Victims and their families in Cebu City also held simultaneous live viewing of the hearing. Lawyers and experts at the event explained the arguments and counterarguments presented in the court to those in attendance.

The groups firmly urged the ICC to confirm the charges so the process could proceed to trial. They said Duterte and his camp had long delayed the proceedings by filing petitions meant to derail both the confirmation and the trial itself.

“These motions betray the Duterte camp’s fears that their client’s acts are indefensible, and their best bet hinges on such dilatory tactics and harping on unfounded claims that Duterte is unfit to stand trial,” Karapatan said on February 23.

Days before the hearing, Duterte’s camp attempted to disqualify three Filipino lawyers chosen to represent the victims. The ICC rejected this petition. The ICC also refused the request of Duterte’s lawyers to hand over the names and locations of certain witnesses, as this would endanger them.

The Pre-Trial Chamber 1 judges will issue their decision on whether to proceed to trial against Duterte within 60 days after the conclusion of the hearing, or by the end of April. Experts said if confirmed, the trial could begin toward the end of 2026.