Marilyn Cahatol

What will happen when ICC Trial Chamber convenes for status conference in Duterte case?

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) will convene its first status conference on May 27 in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, a proceeding expected to outline trial schedules, evidence disclosure, and the readiness of legal teams.</p><p>ICC Assistant Counsel Maria Kristina Conti explained that the conference will allow both prosecution and defense to “lay down all their cards” — confirming receipt of evidence, identifying logistical needs, and proposing trial dates. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/30/icc-trial-chamber-sets-first-status-conference-in-duterte-case-on-may-27-1853">ICC Trial Chamber sets first status conference in Duterte case on May 27<br/></a></div><p>“The prosecution already has 12 tranches of evidence, more than 5,000 pieces, shared with the defense,” Conti said, noting that ICC proceedings follow the principle of “no surprise.” </p><p>&quot;If it’s a trial, everyone already knows what to expect,&quot; she added.</p><p>Discussions are expected to include the possible start of hearings between October 2026 and February 2027, as well as Duterte’s medical condition and detention arrangements, which could affect scheduling. </p><p>Conti recalled that in past hearings, adjustments were made to accommodate limits on how long Duterte could sit in court.</p><p>The conference will also clarify the composition of the defense team. While several Filipino lawyers have appeared in hearings, Conti stressed that only officially recognized counsel have access to confidential case records and evidence. </p><p>“Currently, the official defense team has access to all the documents we mentioned as evidence. If it’s accessed by others not recognized by the court, the victims will be in trouble,” she said.</p><p>Witness security will be another issue, with the ICC likely to continue using coded identifiers and redactions to protect identities. “There is an individual security assessment or risk assessment,” Conti explained. </p><p>“If the witness says, ‘I don’t want to be named,’ but will face the witness with a face, it’s okay. Or don’t name me and my face is blurred — that’s also okay.”</p><p>Appeals filed by the defense, including challenges to the pre-trial chamber’s handling of evidence, are not expected to halt the status conference. “The appeals chamber has 120 days to decide,” Conti said. </p><p>“But in the meantime, the status conferences will be continuous.”</p><p>The 81-year-old will be the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC, which prosecutes individuals for the world&#x27;s worst crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity.</p><div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/30/duterte-defense-team-seeks-to-appeal-icc-confirmation-of-charges-1745">Duterte defense team seeks to appeal ICC confirmation of charges</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FOoz_i6mekA?si=DWjMvo_ASn4GApSm" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The International Criminal Court (ICC) will convene its first status conference on May 27 in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, a proceeding expected to outline trial schedules, evidence disclosure, and the readiness of legal teams.</p>

The International Criminal Court (ICC) will convene its first status conference on May 27 in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, a proceeding expected to outline trial schedules, evidence disclosure, and the readiness of legal teams.