ICC judges urged to begin Duterte trial in November

JUDGES at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday were urged to accelerate the timeline for the trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte, as the prosecution and victims’ representatives called for the proceedings to begin before the end of the year.

The Office of the Prosecutor proposed a trial start date of Nov. 30, following a deadline for evidence disclosure in September.

Julian Nicholls, a senior trial lawyer, said that the prosecution intends to call between 60 and 70 witnesses, including approximately 31 insider witnesses, and is currently reviewing nearly 200 speeches for potential evidence.

“And so, in picking the Sept. 30 date, that was not random. It was made in the spirit of efficiency and expedition that you have highlighted,” Mr. Nicholls said during a livestreamed hearing from The Hague.

Paolina Massidda, counsel for the victims, opposed the defense’s proposed timeline, saying any start date in 2027 would be unacceptable.

“I don’t have to stress the obvious here, victims would like this trial to start tomorrow. That’s as simple as such. However, after the submission of the parties, we had further consultation with our clients. They are amenable to start this trial. Thirtieth of November seems to them, at the moment, still a reasonable period of time,” Ms. Massidda said.

“January 2027, no. For them it’s too long,” she said.

She suggested the trial could begin in November with English-speaking witnesses while the court finalized interpretation services for Philippine languages.

Defense lead counsel Peter Haynes countered that the trial should not commence until 2027, citing the need for at least three months to review disclosures and the logistical hurdles of simultaneous interpretation.

He also pointed out that the significant time difference between the Netherlands and the Philippines would create practical challenges for witnesses testifying via video link.

Meanwhile, the ICC registry said that they are working to train field interpreters for Tagalog and other local languages, and the process requires several months to ensure simultaneous interpretation standards are met.

“Our top priority is the language of the accused and the languages of the witnesses,” Marc Dubuisson, director of the division of judicial services said.

He added that while opening statements might be possible by late 2026, a six-month preparation period would better support regular witness testimony.

Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said Trial Chamber III seeks to balance the rights of the accused and the interests of the victims through a fair and efficient trial.

Mr. Duterte did not attend the initial status conference in his crimes against humanity case, having been excused from attending. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking