By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has signaled its expectation that former President Rodrigo Duterte will personally appear before the tribunal on Sept. 7, unless a court-appointed medical panel determines that his health condition prevents him from doing so.
During a status conference on Tuesday, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner of ICC Trial Chamber III informed Duterte’s lead counsel, Peter Haynes, that the former Philippine leader is expected to attend the proceedings in person following the completion of a medical evaluation ordered by the court.
Korner said the chamber granted Duterte’s request to be excused from attending the latest hearing because of its brief and procedural nature. However, she stressed that the court anticipates his presence at future proceedings.
The chamber also scheduled additional pretrial conferences on July 14, Sept. 7, Oct. 13, and Nov. 2 as preparations continue for Duterte’s trial, which is set to begin on Nov. 30.
Duterte is facing three counts of crimes against humanity involving murder in connection with the anti-illegal drug campaign implemented during his time as Davao City mayor and later as president.
At the request of the defense team, Trial Chamber III appointed a three-member medical panel tasked with assessing Duterte’s fitness to participate in court proceedings. The panel has been ordered to submit its findings by Aug. 24.
“So Mr. Haynes, we would expect Mr. Duterte to be here unless there’s some medical issue,” Korner told the defense counsel during the hearing.
The judge also noted that transporting detainees from detention facilities to courtrooms can be physically demanding, but emphasized that Duterte is aware of the chamber’s expectation that he appear before the court “sooner rather than later.”
Duterte has not appeared before the ICC since his initial appearance via videoconference on March 14, shortly after his arrest and transfer to The Hague.
The upcoming hearings will focus on procedural matters and trial preparations ahead of what is expected to be a landmark case involving a former Philippine president.
ia/xf
