The International Criminal Court (ICC) has authorized former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to bypass his first status conference scheduled later this month. The decision follows a formal notification from his new legal team indicating that the former leader chosen to waive his right to be physically present.
In a seven-page order issued on May 22, ICC Trial Chamber III approved the defense’s request to excuse Duterte from the May 27 procedural session in The Hague.
According to the tribunal’s documentation, Duterte explicitly expressed confidence in his representatives to manage the opening administrative phase of his trial preparation.
“wishes to waive his right to appear before the Chamber on 27 May 2026 and fully trusts his legal team to address the procedural matters listed on the status conference agenda.”
The trial chamber noted that Duterte’s lawyers successfully argued that the strict statutory requirement mandating an accused individual’s presence does not encompass early oversight meetings. The defense team maintained that such assemblies are “essentially administrative in nature,” distinguishing them from the formal trial itself.
While the judges approved the absence, they mandated a strict condition, requiring the defense to produce a written waiver bearing the former president’s personal signature by May 25.
The multi-page order also served to officially document a major shift in Duterte’s courtroom representation, coming on the heels of his previous counsel’s sudden withdrawal earlier this month.
The court formally acknowledged British barrister Peter Haynes as the newly appointed lead counsel, alongside associate counsel Kate Gibson. The bench confirmed that the incoming legal team is fully briefed on all looming litigation deadlines and will attend the upcoming conference.
Concurrently, the ICC publicized the official agenda for the May 27 sessions, which is designed to construct the logistical framework for the upcoming trial. The primary discussions will center on establishing a definitive launch date for the trial, assessing the sheer volume of witnesses and physical evidence, evaluating expert testimonies, determining witness protection protocols, and detailing disclosure mandates.
Furthermore, the prosecution and defense are slated to review undisputed facts, translation requirements, victim participation parameters, and outstanding pre-trial motions.
The tribunal stated that the conference will remain accessible to the public, though the judicial panel retains the authority to transition into private sessions should confidential witness security vulnerabilities arise.