The International Criminal Court (ICC) has scheduled the opening of the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte for November 30, 2026, in connection with charges of crimes against humanity.
In a statement released on May 27, 2026, the ICC said Trial Chamber III set the trial date following a status conference on matters related to trial preparations.
“This date was set by the Chamber following a Status Conference on this matter and other issues related to the preparation of the trial,” the ICC stated.
The court said the chamber considered the submissions of the prosecution, defense, and legal representatives of victims, as well as the time needed for the disclosure of evidence and other materials.
“The Chamber noted the respective submissions by the Prosecution, the Defence and the Legal Representatives of Victims, as well as the necessary time for the disclosure of evidence and other materials,” the ICC added.
The ICC also said all pending matters and procedures necessary for the fair and expeditious conduct of proceedings will be addressed before the trial formally opens.
“Before the opening of the trial, the Chamber will address all pending matters and adopt the procedures necessary to facilitate the fair and expeditious conduct of the proceedings,” it said.
The court added that detailed practical information regarding the proceedings, including webstreaming links and possible attendance arrangements, will be announced closer to the trial date.
Trial Chamber III is composed of Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek, and Judge Nicolas Guillou.
The ICC stated that the warrant of arrest against the former president was initially issued as “Secret” on March 7, 2025, before being reclassified as “Public” on March 11, 2025.
It said Duterte was surrendered to the ICC on March 12, 2025, while his initial appearance before the court took place two days later, on March 14, 2025.
The confirmation of charges hearing was conducted from February 23 to 27, 2026, before Pre-Trial Chamber I.
On April 23, 2026, the ICC confirmed all charges against Duterte, consisting of three counts of crimes against humanity, and committed the case for trial before Trial Chamber III.
The ICC Presidency subsequently constituted Trial Chamber III on April 24, 2026, to handle the Duterte case.
