Former President Rodrigo Duterte will face trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Nov. 30, 2026, where judges will read confirmed charges of crimes against humanity involving murder and attempted murder. The proceedings are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. local time, which is 5 p.m. Manila time, and will examine allegations spanning from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.
Ahead of the upcoming trial, Duterte has waived his attendance for the fifth status conference scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026. Defense counsel informed the chamber of the decision in a filing dated Oct. 30, and the ICC Trial Chamber III granted the request after receiving a signed waiver from the former president.
Charges and Trial Schedule at The Hague
Trial Chamber III comprises Presiding Judge Joanna Korner alongside Judges Keebong Paek and Nicolas Guillou. At the opening of the proceedings, the judges will verify that the 81-year-old former president understands the nature of the charges against him and ask him to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
The prosecution carries the burden of proving the accusations beyond a reasonable doubt across three distinct counts. The first count covers alleged murders in Davao City during Duterte’s mayoral term from 2013 to June 2016. The second count addresses killings of individuals classified as high-value targets between July 2016 and July 2017 during his presidency. The third count involves alleged murders and attempted murders during nationwide barangay clearing operations from July 2016 to September 2018.
Did You Know? The upcoming proceedings follow a pre-trial stage where Pre-Trial Chamber I unanimously confirmed all charges against Rodrigo Duterte on April 23, 2026, before transferring the case to Trial Chamber III.
Opening Statements and Evidence Presentation
Following the reading of the charges, the prosecution will deliver its opening statement with an allotted time of six hours. The Common Legal Representatives of Victims will follow with a three-hour opening statement, while the defense may also present an opening statement before or during the presentation of evidence.
Once opening statements conclude, the prosecution will call its first witness and present testimony alongside documentary, digital, or physical evidence. The daily hearings will run in four specific sessions: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in The Hague.
Expert Insight: The structure of the trial highlights the distinct roles granted to victims through their legal representatives, who can present views and concerns and make submissions on matters affecting their personal interests.
Legal Context and Next Steps in the Proceedings
Under the Rome Statute framework, Duterte’s in-person attendance during the trial proper remains mandatory now that he has been cleared of physical and mental fitness hurdles. Meanwhile, at least 100 additional individuals are seeking formal recognition as victims, adding to the 539 applicants already admitted during earlier pretrial phases.
As the case moves forward, the defense will retain the opportunity to challenge the reliability and credibility of prosecution witnesses and introduce its own evidence. Trial Chamber III will evaluate all arguments and evidence submitted by the parties before rendering a final judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific dates do the charges against Rodrigo Duterte cover?
The charges examined by the International Criminal Court involve allegations spanning from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. These encompass his tenure as Davao City mayor as well as his time in the presidency.
Who are the judges presiding over Trial Chamber III?
Trial Chamber III is composed of Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek, and Judge Nicolas Guillou. They will examine all evidence and arguments before delivering a final judgment.
How can the public view the trial proceedings?
The ICC plans to stream the trial hearings through its official website, Facebook accounts, and YouTube channel with a 30-minute delay.
What impact might the upcoming witness testimonies have on the defense strategy as the trial unfolds?
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