The International Criminal Court has set Nov. 30, 2026 as the opening date for former President Rody Duterte’s crimes-against-humanity trial, while also ordering a fresh medical re-examination before proceedings begin.
The decision was announced Wednesday, May 27, during a status conference at the ICC headquarters in The Hague. It was the second conference held by Trial Chamber III since the chamber was constituted on April 24, 2026.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner accepted the prosecution’s proposed November opening, despite the defense’s request for more delay pending another fitness-to-stand-trial assessment. Duterte’s defense, led by British barrister Peter Haynes, argued that the 81-year-old’s neurological condition continues to deteriorate.
“There are pressing reasons which mandate that we really should start this trial as soon as possible, which is basically the health of your client,” Korner told the defense. The trial is expected to sit daily, five days a week, until the Christmas recess.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity, covering murder and attempted murder, tied to his administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign from 2011 to 2019. Prosecutors allege the campaign involved scores of killings connected to a broader pattern documented by international rights monitors.
ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed all charges against Duterte on April 23, 2026 and committed him to trial. The Office of the Prosecutor plans to call between 60 and 70 witnesses.
The fresh medical review ordered by Korner will be conducted by the same panel of experts who earlier found Duterte fit to stand trial during confirmation proceedings.
The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 under Duterte, but the ICC says it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a party. Two more status conferences are set for June 23 and July 14. Prosecution materials are due Aug. 31, with final defense briefs due Oct. 30 before the Nov. 30 trial opening.
