Barrister Peter Haynes, newly appointed lead counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte in his International Criminal Court (ICC) case, said the trial is unlikely to last several years, although it will not be short.
The ICC Trial Chamber III has set November 30, 2026, as the opening date of the trial in The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“I don’t think it’s going to be years. It would be surprising if it was less than a year,” he said in an interview with Alvin and Tourism on June 9.
He added that the length of the proceedings may also depend on Duterte’s ability to endure courtroom sessions.
Regarding his preparation and integration into the defense team, Haynes expressed confidence in the structure of the legal group now being assembled.
“We will have as strong a team as has ever been assembled at the ICC, and we will approach this with real endeavor and energy,” he said.
He also said his transition into the team has been smooth.
On the ICC’s directive for a medical examination, Haynes underscored the tribunal’s continuing obligation to assess the former president’s fitness to stand trial.
“The court has an ongoing duty to satisfy itself that he’s fit to stand trial, the issue having already been raised during the pre-trial phase,” he said.
He noted that the matter will be “kept under constant review every four months or so,” with the next review expected toward the end of the summer and possible examinations scheduled “sometime next month.”
Haynes also addressed procedural matters, including the defense’s position on Rule 68, saying the team is not fundamentally opposed to it but is concerned about the potential burden of extensive filings.
“I’m not entirely sure we’re completely opposed to the idea … there’s nothing principled that we object to about Rule 68,” he said.
However, he warned that the defense anticipates being overwhelmed by the volume of submissions.
“These applications will become overwhelming in their number, videos; transcripts; diaries; and the like, making it difficult for us to prepare for trial,” he said.
Meanwhile, Haynes shared that the former president remains in “very good spirits” and cooperative as the defense team prepares for trial proceedings.
Haynes described Duterte as engaged and conversational during their recent meeting.
“Rodrigo Roa Duterte seemed in very good spirits today, and very talkative and informative, and we discussed a wide range of topics of personal interest to him … yes, he seemed in quite good form,” he said.
Haynes confirmed that this was not his first interaction with the former president.
“No, this is about my fifth or sixth time,” he said when asked whether the meeting was his initial engagement with Duterte.
Haynes described his appointment as a significant professional milestone and extended appreciation to supporters closely following the case.
“This is the greatest honor and privilege of my professional life,” he said.
