At the heart of the defense is the seasoned legal strategist Nicholas Kaufman, who has been vocal in challenging the prosecution’s narrative. As the ICC Duterte proceedings unfold, the complexity of the “War on Drugs” and the legal jurisdictional battles continue to dominate global news.
ICC Duterte Hearing: Latest News on Rodrigo Duterte’s International Criminal Court Case
The eyes of the world, and especially the Philippines, are fixed on The Hague as the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceeds with one of its most high-profile cases to date. The Rodrigo Duterte ICC hearing represents a historic moment in international law, marking the first time a former Philippine head of state has faced the “Court of last resort” for alleged crimes against humanity.
At the heart of the defense is the seasoned legal strategist Nicholas Kaufman, who has been vocal in challenging the prosecution’s narrative. As the ICC Duterte proceedings unfold, the complexity of the “War on Drugs” and the legal jurisdictional battles continue to dominate global news.
The Current Status of the ICC Duterte Case
The ICC investigation into the Philippine drug war has transitioned into a critical phase. Following his arrest in Manila in March 2025 and subsequent transfer to the ICC Detention Centre in Scheveningen, the proceedings have moved to the confirmation of charges hearing.
What is a Confirmation of Charges Hearing?
Unlike a full trial, this stage is a preliminary gateway. The judges must determine if there are “substantial grounds to believe” that the suspect committed the crimes charged.
Purpose: To prevent cases with insufficient evidence from reaching trial.
Standard of Proof: Higher than the warrant stage, but lower than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Outcome: The judges can confirm the charges, decline them, or ask for more evidence.
Nicholas Kaufman and the Defense Strategy
Lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman has emerged as a central figure in the Duterte ICC hearing. Known for his experience in international criminal law, Kaufman has maintained a robust defense, focusing on three primary pillars:
Jurisdictional Challenge: Arguing that the International Criminal Court lost authority the moment the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute became effective in 2019.
Rhetoric vs. Intent: Kaufman argues that Duterte’s famous “kill” orders were “hyperbole, bluster, and rhetoric” intended to deter criminals, not a literal state policy of extrajudicial execution.
Selective Evidence: The defense claims the prosecution has “cherry-picked” speeches while ignoring statements where Duterte emphasized lawful self-defense.
“This is a court of law which decides matters on the basis of evidence, not on the basis of political demagoguery.” — Nicholas Kaufman, Opening Statements (Feb 2026).
Rodrigo Duterte ICC Hearing Time and Live Coverage
For those following from the Philippines, the Rodrigo Duterte icc hearing time usually aligns with Central European Time (CET). Because The Hague is 7 hours behind Manila, most sessions begin in the late afternoon for Filipino viewers.
What is a Confirmation of Charges Hearing?
The court provides an ICC live stream through its official website. However, there is typically a 30-minute delay for security and procedural reasons.
Official Stream: icc-cpi.int
Local Media: Major Philippine networks like Rappler, ABS-CBN, and GMA often provide real-time commentary and translated summaries.
Timeline of Key Events: Duterte and the ICC
Understanding the current duterte icc situation requires looking back at the long legal road that led to the Netherlands.
| Date | Event | Significance |
| Feb 2018 | Preliminary Examination | ICC starts looking into the “War on Drugs.” |
| Mar 2019 | PH Withdrawal | Philippines officially leaves the ICC. |
| Mar 2025 | Duterte Arrested | Former President arrested in Manila and transferred to The Hague. |
| Feb 23-27, 2026 | Confirmation Hearing | Judges evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s evidence. |
The Charges: Crimes Against Humanity
The prosecution’s case against Rodrigo Duterte centers on three counts of crimes against humanity. These charges cover incidents not only during his presidency (2016–2022) but also his tenure as the Mayor of Davao City.
The Davao Death Squad (DDS): Allegations of systematic killings in Davao City between 2011 and 2016.
National Drug War: The state-sponsored campaign that human rights groups claim led to over 30,000 deaths.
Systemic Attack: The ICC argues these were not isolated incidents but a “widespread and systematic attack” against a civilian population.
The Role of Filipino Lawyers
While Nicholas Kaufman leads the international team, several high-profile Filipino lawyers—including former cabinet members—have been present in The Hague. Kaufman has noted that these local experts provide “valuable support” and ensure the Philippine public receives an “unbiased commentary” on the complex legal jargon.
Impact on Philippine Politics
The duterte confirmation hearing isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a political earthquake. The current administration under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has seen a shifting stance on ICC cooperation, moving from outright refusal to facilitating the transfer of the former president in 2025. This has caused a significant rift within the “UniTeam” alliance, particularly with Vice President Sara Duterte.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for the ICC and Duterte
The Rodrigo Duterte case is a litmus test for the International Criminal Court. Whether the charges are confirmed or dismissed, the outcome will set a precedent for how the international community handles “sovereign” leaders accused of human rights abuses.
As Nicholas Kaufman and the prosecution continue their battle in the courtroom, the families of the victims wait for a verdict that has been nearly a decade in the making.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ICC Duterte hearing. Would you like me to summarize the latest witness testimonies from the current week of hearings?
FAQ Section
1. Is Rodrigo Duterte in jail right now?
Yes, as of February 2026, Rodrigo Duterte is being held at the ICC Detention Centre in Scheveningen, The Hague. He has been in custody since his arrest and transfer in March 2025.
2. Who is Nicholas Kaufman?
Nicholas Kaufman is a British-Israeli lawyer and the lead defense counsel for Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC. He is known for representing high-profile defendants in international tribunals.
3. Can the ICC really sentence a former President?
Yes. If the case goes to trial and a “Guilty” verdict is reached, the ICC can sentence individuals to long-term imprisonment, which would be served in a country that has an agreement with the court.
4. What is the difference between a hearing and a trial?
The current icc duterte hearing is a “Confirmation of Charges” hearing. It is a pre-trial stage to see if the case is strong enough. A full trial only happens if the judges confirm the charges.
5. Why did the Philippines leave the ICC?
Duterte ordered the withdrawal in 2018, arguing the court was being used as a political tool and that the Philippines has a functioning domestic justice system.