Former President Rodrigo Duterte has opted not to appear at the second status conference regarding his crimes against humanity case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on June 23, 2026.
In a legal filing dated June 19, Duterte's defense team informed Trial Chamber III of his decision, submitting a signed waiver allowing his lawyers to represent him during the hearing.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
Duterte instructed his lawyers to address all procedural matters on the status conference agenda.
Duterte Defense Team
The two-hour hearing, set to take place in The Hague, will cover a five-point agenda established by the Chamber, including:
This conference marks the second time Duterte has waived his right to attend, following his absence from the first procedural hearing on May 27, 2026. ICC regulations stipulate that the physical presence of defendants is only mandatory during the actual trial.
Duterte's trial is slated to commence on November 30, 2026. He faces three counts of crimes against humanity related to alleged extrajudicial killings during his anti-drug campaign from 2013 to 2018.