ICC establishes rules and timelines for Rodrigo Duterte June 23 trial
The International Criminal Court has set the timeline for the upcoming trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte, which is scheduled to begin with the official reading of charges on Nov. 30.
Regarding the directions on the conduct of proceedings, the Chamber laid out critical deadlines and procedural protocols leading up to the official commencement of the trial.
Most notably, the Prosecution has been ordered to file its comprehensive Trial Brief, witness list, and evidence list by Aug. 31, which will cover the final list of witnesses, as well as a complete list of evidence, among others.
Following this, the Defense must submit its formal response outlining the core arguments and general nature of Duterte's defense strategy no later than Oct. 30. However, Duterte’s legal team can still raise additional issues after the preliminary filing.
Prior to releasing its official trial timeline, the ICC detailed the agenda that will be discussed in Duterte's second status conference in a court document issued on June 18.
The conference will be held on June 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. local time (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Philippine time).
The document included deadlines for the filing of observations to the Expert Panel Report, adoption of a Protocol on handling confidential information, page limit of the Prosecution’s Trial Brief, dates for next status conferences after the judicial recess, and public statements made by counsel.
According to the ICC, all opening statements will take place in an open court session. The proceedings will follow a strict sequence starting with the party that summoned the witness, moving next to the victims' legal counsel, and finishing with the opposing side.
While the discussion will be made public through the ICC's social media accounts, the Court noted the chamber may order the use of private sessions to avoid disclosure of sensitive information regarding witness protection and security issues.
As it has apparently become his practice, Duterte has, once again, waived his right to attend the second status conference in his crimes against humanity case, which is to be held on June 23
In a statement, the court said they have granted Duterte's request.
Duterte also skipped his first status conference last May 27, which focused on the start date of his trial, pre-trial deadlines, the volume of evidence to be presented, and the language to be used at trial.
From these meetings, the chamber will determine which procedures will allow a fair and efficient trial. Additionally, the chamber will decide on the timing and manner of disclosure of evidence.
Previously, Duterte also waived his right to attend his confirmation of charges hearing in February, as well as the pre-trial court hearing on April 22 for the defense's appeal on jurisdiction.
Duterte is set to go on trial before the ICC on Nov. 30, months after judges confirmed in April three counts of crimes against humanity against him. Prosecutors allege he played a role in at least 76 killings linked to his anti-drug campaign under his administration.
The former president has been detained at The Hague since his arrest in March 2025.
