MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court’s prosecution panel is targeting Nov. 30, 2026 as the start date for the trial of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, despite objections from the defense regarding his health and preparedness for trial.
In observations submitted before the first status conference of the case, ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said prosecutors are confident all pre-trial procedures can be wrapped up by late September.
The prosecution argued that the proposed timeline leaves enough preparation time before proceedings begin at the end of November.
Niang also said the case could move to trial faster than most ICC proceedings, except for the case of Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, whose prosecution was accelerated after he admitted guilt to war crimes charges linked to the destruction of heritage sites in Mali.
Charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte were officially confirmed by the ICC on April 23 this year.
But Duterte’s British lawyer, Peter Haynes, maintained that fixing a trial date now would be inappropriate because key issues remain unresolved.
Among these concerns is Duterte’s ability to endure full trial proceedings, with Haynes citing the former president’s declining physical and mental condition.
While ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I previously found Duterte fit to participate in preliminary proceedings based on assessments by independent medical experts, Haynes argued that an actual trial presents far greater demands.
He explained that a trial would require Duterte to closely monitor extensive witness testimony and documentary evidence over an extended period while remaining in constant coordination with his defense team.
The defense also emphasized the need for additional preparation time if the court eventually rules that Duterte is medically capable of standing trial.
Haynes pointed out that previous ICC cases typically took more than a year after the confirmation of charges before trial proceedings began.
Meanwhile, the Common Legal Representatives of the Victims urged the court to move swiftly, saying victims continue to call for a prompt start to the proceedings.
According to the victims’ lawyers, those represented in the case have repeatedly opposed delays and stressed the importance of seeing the trial begin as soon as possible.
ia/xf
