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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seen on a screen with his lawyer Salvador Medialdea (L) in the courtroom during his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charge of crimes against humanity over his deadly crackdown on narcotics, in The Hague on March 14, 2025.
AFP / Peter Dejong, pool
MANILA, Philippines — A child rights advocate who attended the International Criminal Court's confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte said the prosecution's presentation of evidence indicates the case could proceed to trial.
Rowena Legaspi, executive director of the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center, said the materials submitted strengthened the prosecution's case.
"I witnessed how well the prosecution presented its evidence, including all the videos, public announcements and policies signed by Duterte and the Philippine National Police chief," Legaspi said in an interview with the World Organisation Against Torture, or OMCT.
The confirmation of charges hearing in The Hague is a key pre-trial stage at the ICC where judges determine whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
"These are all evidence-based arguments, so I can see this case going to trial," she added.
Prosecutors linked to Duterte killings associated with his administration's anti-drug campaign, including official speeches, policies and other records. Judges will then decide in a few weeks whether the evidence establishes substantial grounds to believe the accused committed the alleged crimes.
Turning point
Legaspi said the hearing marked a significant moment for advocates who have documented killings linked to the drug war.
"We are looking forward to the ICC case proceeding to trial, and that families of victims will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel," she said.
Legaspi's organization has documented cases involving children killed during anti-drug operations and submitted reports to international mechanisms, including the ICC.
The activist said many victims' families come from marginalized communities and have struggled to pursue justice domestically.
"Most victims of Duterte's drug war came from poor families," she said.
Advocates view the ICC proceedings as a critical test of accountability for killings linked to the campaign.
