ICC sets schedule for opening statements in Duterte trial on Nov. 30

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has scheduled the start of court proceedings for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on November 30, 2026, outlining a structured timetable for opening statements and initial testimony.

During the session, “the Judges will first verify that Mr Duterte understands the nature of the charges and will ask him whether he admits guilt or pleads not guilty to the charges,” according to a statement released by the ICC.

Following the initial confirmation and plea, “the Chamber will then hear the opening statements of the Prosecution, the Common Legal Representatives of the Victims (CLRVs) and, should it so request, the Defence.”

Court time has been allocated specifically for each party’s opening remarks. “The Prosecution and the CLRVs have been granted six hours and three hours, respectively, to present their opening statements,” the ICC noted.

To accommodate the proceedings, “these statements will be delivered across four hearing sessions each day” in The Hague local time:

-10:00 to 11:00

-11:30 to 12:30

-13:30 to 14:30

-15:00 to 16:00

Witness testimony is set to begin immediately after the introductory statements conclude.

“The first Prosecution witness is scheduled to begin testifying following the conclusion of the opening statements,” the tribunal stated, adding that “thereafter, the courtroom schedule will be adjusted on a case-by-case basis.”

Public access to the trial will be provided through online broadcasts, though not in real time. “The hearing may be followed with a 30-minute delay on the ICC website, as well as via the ICC’s Facebook accounts and YouTube channel.”

Further logistics regarding media coverage and public attendance remain forthcoming.

“More information will be circulated next week through our media advisory, including details on registration for the hearing,” the court said.