APRIL 4, 2026 — On April 22, the International Criminal Court’s Appeals Chamber will finally decide whether it has jurisdiction over the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte — a ruling that could reshape how Filipinos view accountability, justice, and our place in the global community.

Mark your calendars: April 22, 6 p.m. Manila time. That’s when five ICC judges — Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, Tomoko Akane, Solomy Balungi Bossa, Gocha Lordkipanidze, and Erdenebalsuren Damdin — will deliver their judgment in open court from The Hague. This isn’t just another legal update; it’s a moment that could determine whether Duterte’s bloody war on drugs will be scrutinized under international law, despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute back in 2019.

The backstory

In October 2025, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber rejected Duterte’s camp’s challenge, ruling that the court retained jurisdiction because the alleged crimes occurred while the Philippines was still a member of the Rome Statute. Duterte’s defense quickly filed an appeal, insisting the ICC has no authority over him. By February 2026, ICC judges confirmed charges of crimes against humanity, pushing the case forward.

Thousands of Filipinos, mostly from poor communities, were killed in anti-drug operations during Duterte’s presidency. Families are still grieving, and survivors are still waiting for justice. The ICC’s decision could validate those cries or shut the door on them.

The ruling will also test how Filipinos feel about sovereignty versus international oversight. Some argue the ICC undermines our independence. Others believe it’s the only way to pierce the shield of impunity that powerful figures enjoy here. Either way, the decision will reverberate across our politics, our courts, and our collective conscience.

If the ICC rules against Duterte, will Filipinos finally confront the uncomfortable truth about justice in our own backyard?

(Image: Human Rights Watch)