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Duterte's ICC Trial to Begin on November 30 with Key Procedural Details
The International Criminal Court (ICC) will commence the trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on November 30, 2026, for alleged crimes against humanity. The trial will begin with the court verifying Duterte's understanding of the charges before requesting his plea. Under the Rome Statute, Duterte is expected to be present in person, though his defense team has not yet disclosed how he will participate. The ICC Registry has warned that unexplained absences could fuel disinformation, particularly given the intense media coverage expected from Philippine outlets. Public access to the trial will be available through live streaming on the ICC's website, Facebook, and YouTube with a 30-minute delay, as well as in-person attendance with limited seating. The hearing schedule, set for 10 a.m. in The Hague (5 p.m. Philippine time), will be divided into four one-hour sessions daily. The prosecution will deliver a six-hour opening statement, followed by the Common Legal Representatives of the Victims (CLRV) with a three-hour statement. The trial will proceed with witness testimonies after opening statements, with the prosecution facing three counts of crimes against humanity related to murder and attempted murder during Duterte's tenure as mayor and president. The case is under Trial Chamber III, composed of Presiding Judge Joanna Korner and Judges Keebong Paek and Nicolas Guillou. The ICC will render its judgment within a reasonable period after the trial concludes, requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt for conviction.
