Victims’ Satisfaction, Safety and Support During Duterte’s ICC Charges Hearing

By Annelies Van Twembeke Campos 

REDRESS Legal Intern 

Nearly a year since the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, the long-awaited confirmation of charges hearing against the former Philippine President took place from 23 to 27 February 2026 at the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

Duterte faces three counts of murder as a crime against humanity, meaning that the Prosecutor believes that the acts were committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and as the President of the Philippines.  

Reaching this stage is momentous for victims of Duterte’s so-called ‘War on Drugs’ campaign, which human rights groups estimate may have resulted in as many as 30,000 deaths. It is the stage in the case where the Court weighs whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.  

For many victims, the hearing represented a rare opportunity to witness the international justice process addressing crimes they say devastated their communities. It unfolded amidst growing disinformation in the Philippines and the harassment and doxxing of victims, even outside the Court building. 

Inside the courtroom, the viewing gallery reflected the deep divisions surrounding the case. Victims, some of whom had travelled thousands of miles to be at the hearing, and human rights groups gathered on one side, while pro-Duterte supporters occupied the other. But one person was conspicuously absent from the hearing: Duterte himself. 

Here are some of the pivotal moments from the week’s proceedings: 

Delayed Satisfaction and Vicarious Justice for the Victims

Before the confirmation of charges hearing commenced, the Pre-Trial Chamber decided the hearing would take place in the absence of Duterte following a written request by Duterte himself to waive his right to be present. 

During the confirmation of charges proceedings, the Common Legal Representatives of Victims (CLRVs) representing the Philippine victims, communicated their “deep disappointment” at having been denied the sight of Duterte. The CLRVs condemned Duterte’s absence as witnessing him confront the charges in Court would have constituted a vital form of satisfaction for the victims at this stage.  

The charges against Duterte represent only a “sample” of the crimes allegedly committed during the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign. Victims of other crimes committed during the campaign, such as torture, unlawful detention, and sexual violence, voiced that they are hopeful the prospective trial will give them a sense of vicarious justice.  

Victims’ Safety and Participation Must Consider the Socio-political Context

The Common Legal Representatives of Victims highlighted how victims’ rights were impacted by the persistent harassment, both in-person and online, they have received by Duterte supporters in the Philippines. The CLRVs said that “Duterte has created clones of himself”, weaponising populist rhetoric to enable his supporters to harass and threaten victims and their loved ones.  

Considering that Duterte’s family members still occupy significant positions of power, the Court must account for how this deters victims’ participation in the case, thus limiting the possibility for comprehensive reparations in the future.  

Civil Society Efforts to Support Victims and their Stories

Victims and civil society organisations were repeatedly harassed and doxxed by pro-Duterte supporters throughout the confirmation of charges hearing. Civil society organisations and likeminded communities responded by supporting victims through the protestors outside the court, and organising advocacy events and ‘pro-justice and accountability’ protests, underscoring that the victims are not alone in their cause.  

On 24 February, the Victims’ Rights Working Group, co-led by REDRESS, the International Federation for Human Rights, and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, hosted a reception at the Rafael Lerma’s photograph exhibition titled “Pananagutan”, meaning both ‘responsibility’ and ‘accountability’ in Filipino. This event helped create a safe space for Philippine and international civil society, academia, journalists reporting on the proceedings, and court organs to engage around the exhibition and the hearings. 

What’s Next?

The Pre-Trial Chamber will have 60 days to decide whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.  

Today, the Appeals Chamber rejected all of the Defence’s appeal for his temporary release, and Duterte is set to remain in detention.  

Despite the challenges, a decade after Duterte’s election as President, the victims’ presence at the hearing sent a powerful message: for communities long told they would never see accountability, justice may still be within reach.  

Photo: ICC-CPI.