Duterte's legal team appeals ICC murder charges

In a significant development for international law, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed three counts of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

As of April 23, 2026, the Pre-Trial Chamber has formally moved the case to trial, citing substantial evidence of a systematic campaign against civilians during his administration's 'war on drugs.'

This decision follows the rejection of a jurisdictional appeal by Duterte's legal team, which argued the ICC lacked authority due to the Philippines' 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Duterte, who has been in custody in The Hague since his March 2025 arrest, faces allegations concerning operations in Davao City and nationwide clearance efforts.

His defense team, led by Nicholas Kaufman, continues to dispute the charges, labeling the prosecution's evidence as unreliable and the concept of a state-sanctioned policy a 'fiction.'