MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has set November 30, 2026 as the opening date of the trial involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, according to Trial Chamber III during its latest procedural hearing.
Judge Joanna Korner, who presided over the session, said the chamber is prepared to approve the prosecution’s request to begin the trial on that date. She added that hearings are expected to run daily, subject to the court’s calendar and recess periods.
The court is also considering whether Duterte may be allowed a regular weekly break, pending the results of additional medical evaluations requested by the chamber.
Several pre-trial deadlines were laid out. The prosecution must submit its provisional witness and evidence list by June 29, 2026, with the final submission due by August 31, 2026. That deadline also covers any additional allegations the prosecution may seek to introduce.
On the other hand, the victims’ counsel must file their trial brief by September 28, 2026, while the defense has until October 30, 2026 to present its position on key issues. Requests to amend trial arrangements must be submitted by June 5, 2026.
The court also scheduled follow-up status conferences for June 23 and July 14, 2026 to track case preparations.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity tied to alleged deaths during his anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors are preparing a witness list of about 60 to 70 individuals.
Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during the period when the country was still a member state.
His legal team has questioned whether he is medically fit to undergo trial proceedings, stressing the need for a full evaluation before the case proceeds. Duterte has not personally attended hearings, appearing only through video link in earlier proceedings.
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