Metro Manila, Philippines – The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III will hold its second status conference in the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, June 23, with the former leader again choosing to skip the proceedings.
In a notice to journalists, the ICC confirmed that Duterte waived his right to be present at the hearing and that the Trial Chamber III granted the request.
The defense is expected to formally file Duterte’s signed waiver before the beginning of the hearing. The former president also waived his appearance during an earlier status conference in May.
According to an order issued by Trial Chamber III on June 18, the conference will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Hague, or 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Manila time. The proceedings will be public, although the chamber may shift to private session if discussions involve sensitive information concerning witness protection and security.
The hearing is expected to focus on procedural and pre-trial matters as the court continues preparations for Duterte’s trial, which is scheduled for Nov. 30.
Among the issues set for discussion are deadlines for parties to submit observations on expert panel reports concerning Duterte’s fitness to stand trial, the adoption of a protocol governing the handling of confidential information, the page limit for the prosecution’s trial brief, the schedule of future status conferences after the court’s judicial recess, and concerns regarding public statements made by counsel involved in the case.
The prosecution submitted suggested agenda items after being invited by the chamber, while both the defense and the Registry informed the court that they had no additional matters to propose.
The second status conference will follow the first hearing held on May 27, during which judges formally set the opening of Duterte’s trial for Nov. 30. The chamber also ordered a renewed medical examination of Duterte to assess whether he remains fit to participate in trial proceedings.
Last week, the ICC adopted a detailed protocol governing the conduct of the trial, including procedures for witness testimony, evidence presentation, disclosure obligations, and protective measures. The chamber also ordered prosecutors to submit their trial brief, witness list, and evidence list by Aug. 31, while the defense must file its response by Oct. 30.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with killings allegedly committed during his anti-drug campaign as president and as mayor of Davao City.
