Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will skip the first status conference in his crimes against humanity case before the International Criminal Court, with his legal team submitting a waiver allowing them to handle procedural matters on his behalf.
The ICC Trial Chamber III is set to discuss key pre-trial issues, including trial timelines, evidence rules, witness procedures, and disclosure requirements, ahead of the case’s formal proceedings.
Duterte’s defense lawyer, Peter Haynes, also indicated plans to seek another fitness review, arguing that the complexity and duration of a full trial require reassessment of the accused’s ability to participate.
Prosecutors are pushing for a November 30 trial start, while victims’ representatives have proposed an earlier September schedule.
The court has previously allowed Duterte to skip such administrative hearings, which are not part of the mandatory presence requirement for accused persons.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 27, 2026
