Duterte ICC Trial Date: Prosecutors Push Nov. 30 Start
ICC prosecutors want Rodrigo Duterte’s trial to begin on Nov. 30, 2026, with 60 to 70 witnesses and thousands of evidence items in play.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC case may be headed for a fast-moving trial calendar, with prosecutors asking the International Criminal Court to start proceedings on Nov. 30, 2026.
According to Manila Bulletin, the Office of the Prosecutor made the proposal in a 17-page submission before ICC Trial Chamber III, ahead of the first status conference set later this month.
Prosecutors said they expect to finish the required pre-trial steps by Sept. 30, 2026, arguing that the timeline would make the case one of the fastest to reach trial after the confirmation of charges.
The filing also said prosecutors are considering adding more incidents to the confirmed charges, as long as they remain within the same time, place and factual scope already outlined by the court. They said the defense would receive proper notice if more incidents are formally included.
The prosecution plans to rely on about 60 to 70 witnesses, including insider, crime-base and expert witnesses, and has identified around 197 Duterte speeches or public statements that may be used as evidence. Prosecutors said 5,177 evidence items have already been disclosed to the defense, while 13,284 more remain under review. Source: Manila Bulletin
