Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC Trial Set to Open November 30

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s trial on charges of crimes against humanity is scheduled to begin November 30, 2026, at the International Criminal Court, according to an October 30 court advisory.

The proceedings will open at 10 a.m. local time in The Hague before Trial Chamber III. Duterte faces charges of murder and attempted murder connected to alleged attacks against civilians in the Philippines.

The charges are allegations. Duterte is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Three Counts Cover Mayoral and Presidential Periods

According to the supplied International Criminal Court advisory, prosecutors allege the crimes formed part of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

The case contains three counts:

• Count 1: Murder as a crime against humanity in Davao City during Duterte’s mayoral period, between 2013 and approximately June 2016.
• Count 2: Murder as a crime against humanity involving alleged “High-Value Targets” across the Philippines during his presidential period, from approximately July 2016 to July 2017.
• Count 3: Murder and attempted murder as crimes against humanity during barangay clearance operations across the Philippines, from approximately July 2016 to September 2018.

Opening Hearings Will Address Charges and Plea

Judges will first verify that Duterte understands the charges and ask whether he admits guilt or pleads not guilty.

The chamber will then hear opening statements from prosecutors, the common legal representatives of victims and, if requested, the defense.

Prosecutors have been allotted six hours for their opening statements, while victims’ representatives have been granted three hours.

The initial schedule provides four daily hearing sessions, all in The Hague local time:

The first prosecution witness is scheduled to testify after opening statements conclude. The court may adjust the schedule as proceedings develop.

Court Previously Confirmed Charges

The advisory states that an arrest warrant was issued on March 7, 2025, and made public on March 11. Duterte surrendered to the ICC on March 12 and made his initial appearance on March 14.

A confirmation-of-charges hearing took place February 23–27, 2026. On April 23, Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed all charges brought by prosecutors and committed Duterte to trial.

Trial Chamber III scheduled the November opening on May 27. According to the advisory, the chamber determined on October 8 that Duterte was fit to stand trial.

The trial panel consists of Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek and Judge Nicolas Guillou.

How to Follow the Proceedings

The court says the hearing will be streamed with a 30-minute delay through its website, Facebook accounts and YouTube channel.

Journalists seeking accreditation must contact PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int before November 13, 2026. Members of the diplomatic corps and civil society can request attendance through ICCVisits@icc-cpi.int by the same deadline.

Other members of the public will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to limited gallery capacity. The court advises arriving at least one hour before the hearing. Access to the premises will begin at 8 a.m. November 30.

Verdict Will Follow Presentation of Evidence

After prosecutors finish presenting their case, victims’ representatives may submit observations, and the defense will have an opportunity to present evidence and call witnesses.

Judges will issue their judgment after the trial hearings conclude. The advisory does not provide an expected verdict date.

Source: ICC media advisory dated October 30, 2026, supplied to Habari Entertainment.

Follow Habari Entertainment for more international news and accountability reporting.