THE INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) could begin the trial of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as early as November this year, according to a disclosure from the Office of the Prosecutor.
ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang signaled that all necessary pre-trial procedures, including the final consolidation of documents and evidence, are on track to be wrapped up by the end of September 2026.
The announcement formally sets a preliminary horizon for the case, which moved into the trial phase following the ICC’s confirmation of charges of crimes against humanity against the former leader on April 23, 2026.
Families of drug war victims urged the international tribunal to accelerate the calendar to September to fast-track the proceedings, expressing concern over any potential delays in attaining justice.
Previously, the former president formally tapped Barrister Peter Haynes to lead his international defense team, who immediately proposed a comprehensive review and a repeat of Duterte’s previous medical examinations.
The defense maintained that an independent cognitive and physical reassessment is legally required before any trial date can be set, reiterating serious concerns over the 81-year-old former president’s capacity to meaningfully participate in court proceedings.
