MANILA, Philippines — The Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has authorized 500 new applicants to participate as victims in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, bringing the total number of participating victims to over 539.
In a decision issued on Feb 13, 2026, the judges admitted the applicants after determining they "clearly qualify as victims" in relation to the charges outlined by the Office of the Prosecutor.
The applications, transmitted by the ICC Registry on Feb. 9, 2026, were received within the initial deadline and cover 500 individuals. The Chamber’s Victims Participation and Reparations Section (VPRS) assessed the 227 applications—which often represent multiple individuals—and placed them in "Group A," meaning they met the criteria for participation.
"The Chamber, not having identified any clear, material error in this VPRS' assessment, and recalling its flexible approach with regard to any minor discrepancies within victim applications, concurs with the VPRS' assessment and decides to authorize the 500 Group A applicants to participate as victims in the present proceedings," the ruling stated.
The decision follows a prior ruling on Jan. 26, 2026, in which the Chamber admitted 39 victims (29 from Group A and 10 from Group C) and established a system of common legal representation. The judges clarified Friday that the appointed common legal representatives—lawyers Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres, and a counsel from the Office of Public Counsel for Victims—will also represent the newly admitted 500 victims.
The participation of victims is a key feature of ICC proceedings, allowing those harmed by alleged crimes to present their views and concerns during the trial process.
The case against Duterte is currently in the pre-trial phase. The confirmation of charges hearing is expected to determine whether the case will proceed to trial. According to court records, the allegations stem from the "Situation in the Republic of the Philippines."
The ruling was signed by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, along with Judges Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera.