ICC to hold fourth status conference in Duterte case
MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) will hold its fourth status conference in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte next week as judges continue preparations for the start of trial proceedings.
According to the chamber, the hearing is scheduled on October 13, Tuesday, and will run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Hague time (4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Manila time). The chamber said it may reconvene from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Hague time (6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Manila time) if needed.
It will focus on several matters related to trial readiness, including scheduling, witness presentation, evidence disclosure, and support services for parties participating in the proceedings.
The chamber is set to discuss the proposed daily sitting schedule for the trial’s opening statements and the first evidentiary block scheduled for December 2026.
Judges will also hear submissions on the prosecution’s list of witnesses and the estimated number of hours needed to present its case. The defense and the common legal representatives of victims are likewise expected to provide their respective estimates.
Also on the agenda are the defense’s responses to Rule 68 applications and requests for in-court protective measures, as well as matters concerning disclosure and the prosecution’s list of evidence.
The chamber is also expected to tackle observations on recent filings and receive updates from the Registry regarding its capacity to support the proceedings, including interpretation services for the start of trial.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team is scheduled to present its submissions on its readiness for trial.
The hearing will be streamed on the ICC website with a 30-minute delay.
Duterte was arrested last March 12, 2025 and is now facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with killings linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign. The status conference forms part of the court’s continuing efforts to address procedural and logistical issues before trial proceedings begin.