THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former presidential spokesperson and chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo declared that the prosecution’s case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been “shattered into pieces” following the presentation of defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. 

Panelo made the statement after attending the third day of confirmation of charges hearings in The Hague, where prosecutors are seeking to establish Duterte’s liability for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs.

Panelo told reporters that the prosecution’s testimonial and documentary evidence failed to prove Duterte’s direct involvement in the alleged extrajudicial killings. “The prosecution theory has been shattered to pieces,” he said, emphasizing that Kaufman’s extensive research and preparation exposed weaknesses in the arguments presented by the ICC prosecutors.

Kaufman, who leads Duterte’s defense team, argued that the allegations lacked sufficient factual and legal basis. He underscored that the prosecution relied heavily on generalized claims and reports that did not directly link Duterte to the killings. 

According to Panelo, Kaufman’s presentation dismantled the narrative that the former president orchestrated a systematic campaign of violence against suspected drug offenders.

The ICC hearings, which began on February 23, 2026, are part of the process to determine whether charges of crimes against humanity will move forward against Duterte. Prosecutors have alleged that thousands of deaths during the anti-drug campaign amounted to state-sanctioned violence. 

Duterte’s legal team, however, insists that the campaign was a legitimate law enforcement effort and that the former president cannot be held criminally responsible for actions carried out by police officers.

Panelo expressed confidence that the judges would dismiss the case if they based their ruling strictly on the evidence presented. “If the judges will only look at the record, the case should be dismissed,” he said.

The ICC’s confirmation of charges hearings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with both sides presenting further arguments. The outcome will determine whether Duterte will face a full trial before the international tribunal.

Image from Pinoy in Holland