The International Criminal Court (ICC) has locked in the next status conferences for the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, scheduling them for June 23 and July 14.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner announced the dates during Wednesday’s initial status conference, where she established critical procedural timelines and submission deadlines for the prosecution, the defense, and the victims’ legal counsel.
According to the scheduled timeline, the legal representatives of the victims must hand in their trial brief by September 28, while the defense team is mandated to submit its indication of issues and corresponding filings by October 30.
“As indicated this morning, the defense indication of issues and defense to be provided by 30th of October, legal representatives of victims trial brief [by the] 28th of September,” Korner stated.
While the chamber opted not to enforce a rigid deadline for the prosecution and defense to establish agreed facts, Korner urged both sides to keep the dialogue open in hopes of securing substantial agreements.
She noted that once these mutual facts are pinned down, the victims’ legal team may be allowed to present their observations for the chamber’s review.
In terms of courtroom mechanics, Korner clarified that the trial’s procedural framework will largely mirror the structure used in the Al-Rahman case. However, the parties involved are given until June 5 to propose any modifications to this approach.
Meanwhile, ICC Trial Chamber III has tentatively slated the official start of Duterte’s trial for November 30, 2026. This date remains subject to change pending a final assessment regarding the former leader’s medical fitness to stand trial.