Metro Manila, Philippines – The International Criminal Court has transmitted the full record of proceedings in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte to its presidency, following the confirmation of charges for crimes against humanity, marking a key step toward trial.
In a document dated April 24, the court’s registry said it formally sent the case records, including the Pre-Trial Chamber I decision confirming charges issued a day earlier.
The transmission includes the index of filings, transcripts of hearings, and evidentiary materials related to the case, as proceedings move to the next phase.
Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign, which prosecutors say involved a widespread and systematic attack against civilians.
The confirmation of charges clears the way for the case to be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will handle the conduct of proceedings, including scheduling, presentation of evidence, and participation of parties.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet said the trial could begin in the coming months, depending on the complexity of the case and other factors.
“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 noted that the timetable will ultimately be set by judges, and 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 said ICC cases 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 assured that proceedings will be both fair and efficient.
“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, integrity, and expertise in international criminal law.
“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 said.
