ICC Sets Nov 30, 2026 to start Duterte Trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Trial Chamber 3 of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has set the start of trial on the cases of crimes against humanity against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on November 30, 2026.

The ruling was made by presiding judge Joanna Korner in today's trial, 27 May, at the ICC in the Hague.

Korner added that the hearing will be on a daily basis until the December break or the court recess in December, but it will also depend on the experts' recommendation.

With regard to the expert examination of the fitness for trial of the former president, the office of the Prosecutor and the Defence have been asked to issue a joint letter of instruction to the panel of experts who will examine Duterte. It was the same panel who conducted the examination. The Registry of the ICC are instructed to contact the experts for their availability

The join letter of instruction to the panel of experts are expected to be handed next Friday, June 3.

The three medical experts who examined Duterte were composed forensic psychiatrist, a neuropsychologist and a geriatric and behavioral neurologist.

The next status conference is scheduled on 23 June and 14 July

During the hearing, a Filipino court interpretation will be available for the opening statements, the Chamber also ruled. Via Jofelle Tesorio, TFCN- The Netherlands