Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is currently facing preliminary hearings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague amid serious allegations of his involvement in funding and arming death squads. This case stems from the violent crackdown on drug-related crimes under his administration, which led to the deaths of numerous individuals. The ICC prosecutors claim that Duterte has orchestrated this violence, leading to widespread human rights violations in the Philippines.

The hearings mark the initial phase of legal proceedings against the 80-year-old former president, who has been absent during court sessions, citing health concerns. Today, the court is scheduled to hold a session to affirm the charges against him. Duterte has publicly denounced these accusations, labeling them as “heinous lies” and has consistently maintained his innocence in the face of international scrutiny regarding his presidency's controversial policies.

While these hearings are not a full trial, they are pivotal in determining whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. After assessing the evidence presented, the judges will have 60 days to decide whether to confirm the charges against Duterte. This process highlights the significant ongoing international interest in the Philippines' human rights situation, especially concerning the fallout from Duterte's war on drugs.