What's at stake as ICC judges hear charges against ex-Philippine president Duterte?
Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity during a long and bloody war on drugs in which thousands were killed.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The proceedings were 'a reminder that those in power are not above the law.'"
— Mame Niang , Activist
"Let's call this what it is - not justice, not accountability, but selective prosecution dressed up as moral superiority."
— Sebastian Duterte , Politician
"What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?"
— Rodrigo Duterte , Politician
"I feel a little bit nervous, but this is the moment of truth. We are all hoping that the ICC and the judges will hear the cry of the victims."
— Llore Pasco , Activist
"I hope other perpetrators will also be brought to justice."
— Luzviminda Siapo , Activist
"I do not recognise the jurisdiction of the court and I am proud of my legacy."
— Rodrigo Duterte , Politician
"I used to do it personally just to show to the guys that if I can do it, why can’t you."
— Rodrigo Duterte , Politician
"If I become president, you will all get wiped out. I will order your execution within 24 hours."
— Rodrigo Duterte , Politician
"Mr Duterte's war on drugs resulted in the killings of thousands of civilians."
— Mandiaye Niang , Other
"Mr Duterte stands behind his legacy resolutely, and he maintains his innocence absolutely."
— Nick Kaufman , Other
"It is a reminder that those in power are not above the law."
— Mame Mandiaye Niang , Other
Key People
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the current president of the Philippines and a former ally of Rodrigo Duterte.
Llore Pasco is a mother of two men killed in the Philippines' war on drugs and advocates for justice for victims.
Luzviminda Siapo is a mother of a 19-year-old son killed in the Philippines' war on drugs, seeking accountability for killings.
Mame Mandiaye Niang is a deputy prosecutor at the International Criminal Court.
Prosecutor at the ICC calling for accountability regarding Duterte's actions.
Mandiaye Niang is an ICC prosecutor presenting the case against Duterte.
Nicholas Kaufman is Duterte's lawyer who has defended him against the charges brought by the ICC.
Nick Kaufman is a defense lawyer representing Rodrigo Duterte.
Rodrigo Duterte is a former president of the Philippines.
Current vice-president of the Philippines and daughter of Rodrigo Duterte.
Vice-mayor of Davao and son of Rodrigo Duterte.
Tags
All Coverage
Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity during a long and bloody war on drugs in which thousands were killed.
The International Criminal Court has opened preliminary proceedings against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, nearly a year after his arrest on dozens of murder charges.
The ICC in The Hague has begun pretrial hearings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces three counts of crimes against humanity for orchestrating deadly anti-drug crackdowns during his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as president.
The International Criminal Court has begun pretrial hearings for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing three counts of crimes against humanity for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he oversaw while in office.
The pre-trial hearing for former Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte for his alleged role in a deadly 'drug war' is set to begin at the International Criminal Court on Monday, despite his refusal to attend the proceedings.
The International Criminal Court has started pretrial hearings on former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing three counts of crimes against humanity for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns ... .
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court have opened hearings into charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity during his anti-drug campaign.
The International Criminal Court has begun pretrial hearings for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces three counts of crimes against humanity ... orchestrating deadly anti-drug crackdowns during his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as ... .
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
US sanctions International Criminal Court president, senior lawyer - Reuters
US sanctions International Criminal Court president, senior lawyer Reuters
August 18, 2026 at 05:57 PMUS announces new sanctions on top ICC figures
The Trump administration has vowed to dismantle the international court "brick by brick".
August 18, 2026 at 05:40 PMLiberia's former vice president charged in investigation of transnational drug ring, government says - Reuters
Liberia's former vice president charged in investigation of transnational drug ring, government says Reuters
August 19, 2026 at 06:23 PMChad's president pardons main rival and opposition leader in jail - Reuters
Chad's president pardons main rival and opposition leader in jail Reuters
August 14, 2026 at 03:31 PMJudge swapped in Trump's defamation case against BBC
A judge who was recently nominated by the US president to serve in Florida's federal court will now preside over his $10bn defamation case against the BBC.
August 18, 2026 at 07:52 PMJapan says US sanctions on ICC, President Akane 'very unfortunate' - Reuters
Japan says US sanctions on ICC, President Akane 'very unfortunate' Reuters
August 19, 2026 at 06:44 AM