The International Criminal Court has scheduled the opening of the crimes against humanity trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Nov. 30, 2026.
ICC Trial Chamber III announced the date Wednesday following status conferences involving prosecutors, Duterte’s defense team, and lawyers representing victims.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the chamber was granting the prosecution’s request to begin trial on Nov. 30.
The chamber, however, said the final structure of proceedings would still depend on updated medical findings regarding Duterte’s fitness to stand trial.
“We have to wait for the report on the accused’s fitness,” Korner said.
The tribunal earlier ordered a fresh medical evaluation of Duterte as judges assess the possible impact of his age and health condition on trial proceedings.
Korner also said it remains difficult to finalize the trial schedule without updated medical findings.
The ICC said proceedings are expected to continue regularly until the court’s Christmas recess, with judges aiming to hold hearings five days a week, subject to witness availability and Duterte’s medical condition.
Korner said adjustments may still be made if Duterte cannot physically attend court proceedings every day because of health concerns.
She said non-sitting days for Duterte may still be used by the court for administrative matters and legal arguments.
The chamber also imposed strict timelines on prosecutors ahead of trial.
Judges ordered prosecutors to submit their provisional list of witnesses and evidence by June 29 and the final list by Aug. 31.
The chamber also set Aug. 31 as the deadline for any request to add new incidents to the case.
Korner likewise warned prosecutors against presenting excessive or repetitive evidence during the proceedings.
The ICC Registry was also instructed to prepare interpretation arrangements for opening statements because of strong public interest in the Philippines.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to killings during his anti-drug campaign.
He was surrendered to the ICC on March 12, 2025 following an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I.
On April 23, 2026, ICC judges unanimously confirmed all charges against Duterte and committed the case to trial.
