Metro Manila, Philippines – The trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court could begin in the coming months, depending on case developments, with court officials assuring that proceedings will be fair and impartial.

In an interview on The Newsmaker, ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet said the timeline for trial proceedings would depend on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the number of witnesses.

“The duration of the trial really depends on the circumstances of the case, the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses that will be appearing,” Maillet said.

She added that the schedule would ultimately be determined by the judges, noting that hearings may not be continuous.

“The calendar will be set by the judges. So sometimes you will have weeks where there is recess,” she said.

Maillet noted that cases handled by the ICC typically involve large-scale crimes requiring extensive evidence and legal review.

“The crimes prosecuted by the ICC are of a very specific nature, often they are mass crimes, they require a vast amount of evidence,” she said.

Despite this, she said the court would ensure both fairness and efficiency in handling the case.

“The chamber will ensure the fairness, but also the effectiveness of the proceedings,” Maillet said.

Maillet also stressed that ICC judges are selected based on qualifications and integrity.

“It is up for the presidency of the ICC… to select the three judges that will be sitting on the chamber,” she said.

“What I can tell you is that the judges of the ICC are fair and impartial judges and have the highest moral character and a deep knowledge of international criminal law,” she added.

Duterte is facing allegations linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign, which is under investigation by the ICC for possible crimes against humanity.