Duterte's confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court has entered its final stage. According to investigative reporter reports from Rappler, this hearing, which concerns allegations made during the Philippines' drug war under the former president, concluded after three days of detailed testimonies, with the final day mainly focusing on closing arguments from both sides.

Interestingly, the entire hearing process highlights a core contradiction. Duterte's defense team has been working to challenge the allegations regarding systemic killings during the drug war, attempting to prove that these crimes are not directly linked to orders at the national level. Meanwhile, the prosecution has been advancing the opposite argument, claiming to demonstrate a clear pattern and directives from high-level authorities that connect state power to the crimes in question.

This courtroom confrontation actually reflects a larger issue: how to hold high-level leaders accountable under international law for potential large-scale harm caused during law enforcement operations. The drug war during Duterte's term resulted in thousands of deaths, and the nature and responsibility for these deaths have been a subject of intense debate. The closing statements on the final day will serve as the last opportunity for both sides to persuade the court to support their respective positions.