The International Criminal Court (ICC) will wrap up the confirmation of charges hearing on Friday, February 27, in the case involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement to the press, ICC Outreach officer Caroline Maruel said, "As you know the confirmation of charges hearing will end today after the closing statements.” Maruel confirmed that the hearing will take place in two sessions scheduled to run until 12:30 p.m. local time in The Hague.

Once proceedings are adjourned, a formal press release will be issued by the ICC.

Maruel outlined the court’s schedule, adding, “After this we will issue a press release as well as a recorded statement from the ICC Spokesperson.” She also noted that a separate annual detention review hearing will be held this afternoon from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. (The Hague local time) to consider arguments on whether Duterte should remain in detention. “No decision is expected during the hearing on detention this afternoon."

The confirmation of charges hearing — held over several days from February 23 to 27— is a procedural step to determine if there are “substantial grounds to believe” that Duterte committed crimes against humanity linked to anti‑drug operations during his mayoral and presidential terms. If the judges confirm one or more charges, the case will proceed to trial.

Duterte’s defence argued during the hearing that the Prosecution had presented "no smoking gun” directly tying Duterte to killings during the so‑called drug war, disputing the sufficiency of evidence.

Meanwhile, human rights groups have cited government data showing thousands of deaths occurred during anti‑drug operations between 2016 and 2022, and have urged the court to proceed with confirmation so victims can have their day in court.