MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III signaled it was willing to accept the prosecution’s proposed Nov. 30, 2026 start date for the trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte, as judges issued a wide range of procedural rulings on victim participation, filing limits, and case management ahead of trial preparations.
The indication came during the first status conference where Presiding Judge Joanna Korner also laid down directions on how the case would proceed through its pre-trial and trial phases, including timelines for submissions and expert assessments.
On scheduling, the chamber said it was prepared to accede to the prosecution’s request for a Nov. 30 start, marking a key step toward setting the framework for trial proceedings, which remain dependent on ongoing disclosure and preparatory work.
The Office of the Prosecutor had argued that additional time was necessary to complete pre-trial requirements, while victims’ representatives had pushed for an earlier commencement date.
Alongside the scheduling discussion, the chamber adopted several procedural measures intended to streamline the case and regulate participation.
Judges approved the use of both individual and household victim application forms, allowing victims to choose either option depending on their circumstances. The court also authorized victims who participated in pre-trial proceedings to continue their participation into the trial phase.
The Victim Participation and Reparations Section (VPRS) was directed to submit a mapping report, with a deadline set 30 days after the Article 74 judgment, as part of efforts to organize victim-related documentation.
To manage workload and efficiency, the chamber imposed a 12-page limit on written submissions from all parties, participants, and the Registry. Any request to exceed the limit must be justified and approved in advance.
The court also announced that additional status conferences would be held, with judges encouraging parties to reserve less urgent issues for oral discussion rather than lengthy written filings.
On procedural protocols, the Registry was instructed to file updated guidelines covering witness preparation, familiarization procedures, and evidence submission practices. These include references to existing ICC chamber manuals and prior jurisprudence, including the Al-Rahman case framework.
The Registry was also tasked with submitting updates on vulnerability classifications, redaction procedures, and e-court system protocols by June 15, particularly in relation to how evidence will be handled during trial.
The chamber reiterated that it would generally rely on established ICC protocols already in place, while allowing flexibility for case-specific adjustments.
Victim participation rules were further clarified, with the court setting the end of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence as the cutoff point for new victim applications under an “ABC participation approach.”
The judges also addressed the accused’s fitness to stand trial, directing the prosecution and defense to jointly draft instructions for medical experts by June 3. The Registry was ordered to immediately contact the three experts who previously assessed Duterte to confirm their availability for a renewed evaluation.
The court indicated a preference for reusing the same panel of experts, citing continuity and efficiency.
The scheduling decision, however, remains provisional and tied to broader procedural developments, including disclosure progress, interpretation logistics, and the outcome of updated medical assessments that could affect the pace of hearings.
Further status conferences are expected as the ICC continues to finalize preparations for what would be the next stage in the Duterte case proceedings.
