What Happens Monday at The Hague: ICC Breaks Down Duterte's 4-Day Hearing as Both Sides Load Up on New Evidence
The International Criminal Court wants everyone to be crystal clear about what's happening on Monday: the confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte is NOT a trial. ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet took to Instagram on Saturday to explain the four-day proceedings set for February 23-24 and 26-27 at The Hague.
"At this stage, the judges will not decide on Mr. Duterte's innocence or guilt," Maillet clarified. "Instead, the pre-trial judges decide whether there is enough evidence against Mr. Duterte for the case to go to trial." During the hearing, Pre-Trial Chamber I judges will hear arguments from the prosecution, the defense, and legal representatives of the victims. After that, judges have 60 days to review the evidence and make their decision.
In a major last-minute development, ICC judges on Friday granted requests from BOTH sides to expand their evidence lists. Duterte's defense team, led by Nicholas Kaufman, was allowed to add 108 new items to its evidence list, while the prosecution got permission to add 14 additional items. The defense described the new materials as "highly relevant" and said the prosecution had confirmed they cause "no prejudice."
Kaufman's team argued that most of the 108 items are actually prosecution evidence or transcripts of audio-video material already disclosed — framing them as a "modest" addition. The defense also warned that blocking the evidence "would cause significant prejudice to Mr. Duterte." The prosecution's 14 items were added without objection from the defense.
Here's the kicker: the ICC spokesperson also noted that if charges are confirmed, the court does NOT allow trials in the absence of the accused. So while Duterte may skip Monday's hearing — which is his right — he won't be able to dodge a full trial. The confirmation hearing is the last stop before the point of no return. All eyes on The Hague this Monday.
Source: GMA News / The Manila Times
