MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday postponed the start of the confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte, granting the request of his defense team that questioned his fitness to stand trial.

Pre-Trial Chamber I, in a majority ruling dated September 8, 2025, said the limited postponement would allow the court sufficient time to consider the defense’s request for an indefinite adjournment and related matters. The hearing was originally scheduled to begin on September 23.

Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera dissented, saying the request should have been denied outright and that the pre-trial proceedings, including the confirmation of charges hearing, should have gone forward.

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The confirmation hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence to establish substantial grounds that Duterte committed crimes against humanity. If confirmed, the case will be elevated to a Trial Chamber for full proceedings.

Duterte was arrested in the Philippines on March 12, 2025 following the ICC’s issuance of a warrant. He was surrendered to the court and made his initial appearance on March 14 via video link.

The former president is facing charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. The ICC prosecutor alleged he bears responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator for killings linked to the war on drugs in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019.

The court said it will set a new date for the confirmation hearing once it has resolved the defense motion and other pending issues.

ICC postpones Duterte’s confirmation hearing after defense panel cites fitness concerns