Politics

No Family Visits for Duterte as ICC Confirmation Hearings Kick Off Monday

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Feb 22, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s family won’t be allowed to see him in person as the International Criminal Court begins its crucial confirmation of charges hearing on Monday, February 23. The hearing, set to start at 10 a.m. The Hague time (5 p.m. Manila time), will determine whether the case against the 80-year-old former leader proceeds to a full trial.

In a statement released Sunday, the Duterte family confirmed that while in-person visits have been restricted during the hearing period, telephone calls will still be available. It’s a tough setup for the family, but the ICC’s protocols are firm — no exceptions, kahit pa dating presidente.

Five Filipino lawyers will be present to represent Duterte during the proceedings: Salvador Medialdea, Martin Delgra III, Silvestre Bello III, Alfredo Lim Jr., Caesar Dulay, and Salvador Panelo. It’s a heavyweight legal team, signaling that the defense is taking this stage very seriously.

The ICC has scheduled hearings for February 23, 24, 26, and 27. The confirmation stage is a critical checkpoint — prosecutors must convince judges that there’s enough evidence to move forward with a full trial related to the country’s controversial war on drugs.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police is bracing for possible protests as emotions run high on both sides. Whether you see Duterte as a hero or a villain, one thing’s for sure — the next few days will be some of the most consequential in Philippine legal history.

Source: The Manila Times

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Hontiveros Flies to Pag-asa Island, Calls for ‘Continuous Pushback’ Against China in the West Philippine Sea

NFA Sells 32.5 Million Kilos of Aged Rice in One Day, Rakes In Nearly ₱1 Billion — and Opens Warehouse Space for Farmers

Trump Cranks Tariffs Up to 15% After Supreme Court Slaps Down His Trade War — And the Philippines Could Feel the Pinch

Forget Rallies — This New Anti-Corruption Movement Sends Citizens to Inspect Government Projects Themselves