THE TRIAL Chamber III of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has canceled the upcoming status conference in the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, originally scheduled for July 14, 2026.
In a formal order, the Chamber explained that the session was called off after both the prosecution and defense panels, along with other registered participants, indicated that there were no pressing or specific legal matters requiring the court’s immediate attention at this stage of the pre-trial proceedings.
With the mid-July meeting vacated, the ICC has rescheduled the next status conference for September 16, 2026.
Court officials confirmed that the temporary adjustment to the pre-trial timeline will not delay the main proceedings.
The historic trial remains firmly on track to begin on November 30, 2026.
The case against the former president centers on alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, as well as killings attributed to the “Davao Death Squad” (DDS) during his tenure as mayor of Davao City.
The upcoming September status conference is expected to finalize critical judicial protocols, including the definitive timeline for witness testimonies, the presentation of documentary evidence, and the formal protective measures for victims and whistleblowers before the trial officially begins in November.
