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
International court tells BBC of breakthrough in Sudan war crimes probe
The ICC has been looking into atrocities committed in Darfur over the past three years.
July 8, 2026 at 11:40 PMTrump administration launches effort to isolate International Criminal Court - Reuters
Trump administration launches effort to isolate International Criminal Court Reuters
July 13, 2026 at 05:09 PMICC concerns over 'significant' franchise corruption
The ICC are formulating plans to tackle what it has called "significant corruption concerns" in franchise tournaments around the globe.
July 9, 2026 at 12:42 PMSudan's paramilitary RSF chief sentenced to death over war crimes
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was convicted in absentia along with 15 RSF commanders and allies.
July 13, 2026 at 12:02 PMMexico to press for criminal charges over deaths in US custody
The move comes after Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado was shot dead by an ICE agent in Houston on Tuesday.
July 9, 2026 at 06:54 PMA decade after historic ruling, Philippine fishermen say driven away from disputed shoal by China - Reuters
A decade after historic ruling, Philippine fishermen say driven away from disputed shoal by China Reuters
July 10, 2026 at 06:29 AM