MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has granted requests from both the camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte and prosecutors to add more items of evidence ahead of next week’s confirmation of charges hearing over his controversial war on drugs. In a decision dated February 20, Pre-Trial Chamber I approved the “Defence Second Request for Leave to Add Items to its List of Evidence” and the prosecution’s request to add 14 items to its own list of evidence. The decision comes just days before Duterte’s scheduled February 23 confirmation hearing, where judges will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move forward to trial. The hearing spans four days, after which the judges will have 60 days to issue a written decision. "FOR THESE REASONS, THE CHAMBER HEREBY GRANTS the Defence’s Request and the Prosecution’s Request," it added.

Source: Philippine Star February 21, 2026 15:54 UTC