The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially canceled the status conference for the crimes against humanity case involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, which was initially scheduled for July 14.
In an announcement issued on Friday, July 10, Trial Chamber III revealed that the meeting was no longer necessary after all participating parties confirmed that there were no pending procedural matters requiring immediate discussion.
“Trial Chamber III has cancelled the status conference scheduled for 14 July 2026 in the Duterte case,” the ICC stated.
“The Chamber decided as such in light of the parties and participants indicating that they do not have specific matters which require attention at this stage of the proceedings.”
Despite scrubbing the July meeting from the schedule, the court noted that the next status conference is still set for September 16, while the formal trial is slated to commence on November 30.
Status conferences are generally used by judges and legal counsels to coordinate trial logistics, organize evidence, and ensure administrative preparedness. This schedule adjustment comes amid active pre-trial preparations.
Recently, Trial Chamber III granted prosecutors access to certain records while shooting down a portion of the defense’s objections concerning evidence disclosure. The tribunal has also been setting up protocols for witness protection and evidentiary submissions.
Duterte, who remains in ICC custody, is facing charges connected to the anti-narcotics crackdown launched during his administration from November 2011 to March 2019. Following his arrest in Manila on March 11, 2025, he was flown to The Hague to stand trial.
The ICC maintains it has jurisdiction over the case because the alleged crimes occurred while the Philippines was still a state party to the Rome Statute. The former chief executive has consistently denied the allegations and rejected the court’s authority over the country.