The International Criminal Court (ICC) commenced hearings on February 23, 2026, concerning a potential trial for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is accused of crimes against humanity. The ICC alleges that Duterte, both as mayor of Davao and later as president, "authorized murders" and "personally selected" victims during his war on drugs. Duterte, 80, is not present for the week-long hearings, which will determine if he will stand trial. His defense claims the evidence is insufficient and politically motivated, while victims' advocates view the proceedings as a historic and hopeful moment. Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, 2025, and has been detained in the Netherlands since then, facing charges related to numerous alleged extrajudicial killings between 2013 and 2018.