The ICC has laid out rules ahead of the trial of Rodrigo Duterte, opening on November 30.
RODRIGO DUTERTE ICC TRIAL – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has laid out the rules for the trial of the former PH president.
Last April, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed all charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte. This is due to the charges of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign during his time as president.
The man once called “The Punisher” has now ended up in ICC custody.
The Chamber found substantial grounds, making him “responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder, pursuant to Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute (ICC’s founding treaty).”
Recently, ahead of the opening of the proceedings on November 30, the ICC laid out the rules that will govern the trial of the former PH president.
In its June 19 “Directions on the Conduct of Proceedings,” ICC Trial Chamber III outlined how the trial will proceed. It included the presentation of evidence, opening statements, witness testimonies, and other procedures in Duterte’s case.
It said that the charges against Duterte will be read “at the commencement of the trial, on 30 November 2026.”
Before the trial begins, the prosecution is required to submit by August 31 its detailed trial brief, along with a list of witnesses and evidence it plans to present. Under the court’s rules, the trial brief must outline the key facts of the prosecution’s case, identify the witnesses expected to testify on those matters, list the relevant exhibits, and present the legal arguments that will support its case.
It is expected to have around 60 to 70 witnesses, including about 31 insider witnesses. The Common Legal Representatives of Victims (CLRV) may also file a trial brief by September 28.
The prosecution, defense, and lawyers representing the victims are expected to discuss several matters, such as how confidential information will be handled, deadlines for comments on the medical experts’ reports, the schedule of the next status conference, and the maximum length of the prosecution’s trial brief.
There will be three status conferences before Duterte’s trial. These hearings are meant to update the chamber on the case’s details and key facts, while also ensuring that all parties are properly prepared for the trial.
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