The International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III has scheduled the start of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s trial for November 30, 2026. The decision came during a status conference on May 27, 2026, in The Hague.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner announced the trial date during the first status conference held by Trial Chamber III. The chamber set the date after considering submissions from the prosecution, defense, and victims’ representatives, as well as time needed for evidence disclosure.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to his drug war and the Davao Death Squad. He has been detained since March 2025, and the charges were confirmed in April 2026.
The prosecution plans to call 60 to 70 witnesses, including 31 insider witnesses, with direct examination expected to take 175 to 200 hours. Duterte must appear in person for the trial, unlike previous hearings.
Additional status conferences are set for June 23 and July 14, 2026. An independent medical panel will reassess Duterte’s fitness to stand trial before proceedings begin.
