Duterte ICC trial may begin between Oct. 2026 to Feb. 2027 —Conti

The trial proper before the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Rodrigo Duterte may begin between October 2026 and February 2027, ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said Friday.

“Baka matagal pa. Buwan po ang bibilangin between eight months to one year. So sabihin natin, between October [2026] to February 2027 pa ito,” Conti told Unang Balita in an interview.

(It might take a while. It might take between eight months to one year. So let's say, between October 2026 to February 2027.)

“Yung paghahanda behind the scenes na natin makikita or walang public hearing yung magaganap na status conferences, magaganap na discussions. Kaya po kapag nagsimula naman ang trial proper, halos tuloy-tuloy na ito,” she added.

(The preparation behind the scenes, there will be no public hearing, including the status conferences, the discussions. So when the trial proper starts, it will almost be continuous.)

Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity, particularly murder and attempted murder, in connection with his anti-drug campaign.

Under the Rome Statute, the accused is generally required to be present during trial, according to Conti.

However, Conti said the ICC allows some flexibility, including attendance via virtual meeting or livestream, to ensure participation of the accused.

She noted that an accused cannot obstruct proceedings in bad faith by refusing to appear before the court.

First day of trial

Conti said the first day of trial will likely include proceedings similar to an arraignment, where the charges are formally communicated to the accused, followed by the setting of guidelines by the judges. 

Then the prosecution and defense teams are expected to present.

Hearings are typically held during ICC working hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and scheduling will depend on the needs of the parties and courtroom availability, the lawyer said.

Like previous ICC proceedings, Conti said the trial is expected to be livestreamed, subject to a 30-minute delay due to security concerns.

She added that the trial may take years, with recent cases lasting around three years, but some cases took up to 10 years.

More evidence may be presented during the trial, according to Conti.

On Thursday (Manila time), the ICC confirmed the charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte in connection with the killings in his war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and when he was President.

In a 50-page document, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I committed Duterte to face trial on the charges as confirmed, and ordered the court registrar to transmit the decision confirmation of charges and the record of these proceedings. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA News