Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court (ICC) convened its first status conference on Wednesday regarding the crimes against humanity case involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
The 81-year-old former leader did not attend the proceedings, following a prior ruling by the chamber that granted his request to waive his personal appearance. The initial conference focused on establishing the foundational timeline and logistical framework for the upcoming trial.
According to the ICC, the agenda covered scheduling the trial’s commencement date, setting pre-trial deadlines, reviewing anticipated evidence, outlining agreed-upon facts, establishing language protocols for the parties, and defining disclosure obligations.
Additionally, the chamber slated discussions on the prosecution’s evaluation of potentially adding new incidents to the case, the submission of trial briefs, outstanding motions requiring resolution, victim participation, and court protocols.
While the court noted that the proceedings are generally open to the public, measures are in place to protect sensitive data.
“The status conference will be public. However, in order to avoid disclosure of sensitive information regarding witness protection and security issues, the Chamber may order the use of private sessions,” Trial Chamber III stated.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder, linked to his controversial anti-illegal drugs campaign during his tenures as Mayor of Davao City and subsequently as President of the Philippines.
The former president is currently represented by British counsel Peter Haynes, who took over the defense following the withdrawal of his previous lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman.