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Janvic Mateo - The Philippine Star
May 27, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte will skip the first status conference that will be held today in connection with the crimes against humanity case filed against him before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte’s lead counsel, Peter Haynes, submitted a signed waiver wherein the former president instructed his lawyers to “address the procedural matters listed on the status conference agenda and any other matter that may be discussed during the hearing.”
The Trial Chamber III earlier allowed Duterte to skip the proceedings, with the defense noting that the mandatory obligation for an accused to be present at trial does not apply to other hearings such as status conferences that are “essentially administrative in nature.”
Based on the agenda approved by the judges, the status conference is expected to tackle issues related to the commencement date of the trial and the anticipated evidence to be presented by parties.
These include the use of expert witnesses, use of audio-visual link for witness testimony and other rules that would govern the procedures.
The status conference will also cover agreed facts, languages to be used by the parties, participants and witnesses, ongoing disclosure obligations, potential addition of incidents, provision of trial briefs and other motions requiring resolution prior to the commencement of trial.
Haynes is expected to request another fitness review for Duterte during the conference.
In an earlier filing, he said it is “inappropriate to attempt to set a date for the commencement of trial” due to unresolved factors.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I earlier found Duterte fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings, based on the findings of an independent panel of medical experts.
The case is now with the Trial Chamber III, which is composed of a different set of judges.
“Trial proceedings differ fundamentally from pre-trial proceedings in their duration, complexity and evidentiary scope,” Haynes told the trial chamber.
“A trial requires the accused to follow extensive oral and documentary evidence over a prolonged period, maintain sustained communication with his defense team, provide instructions and engage continuously with the evolving evidentiary record,” he added.
The ICC prosecutor wants Duterte’s trial to begin on Nov. 30, while lawyers representing the victims said it would be feasible to start as early as September.
