ICC allows Duterte to skip confirmation hearingsMANILA, Philippines — Pre-trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) yesterday allowed former president Rodrigo Duterte to skip his confirmation of charges hearing next week. In a six-page decision, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I granted Duterte’s request to waive his right to attend – both in person and via video conference – the hearings scheduled on Feb. 23, 24, 26 and 27. ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang earlier opposed the request, saying there is no reasonable cause for Duterte not to appear during his confirmation hearing. If anything happens in the hearing, it will be personal to former president Duterte,” Castro said. Padilla made the statement in a Zoom press briefing yesterday ahead of the news that the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I granted Duterte’s waiver to appear in the confirmation hearings next week.

Source: Philippine Star February 20, 2026 16:32 UTC