MANILA — Former president Rodrigo Duterte will skip his fifth status conference before the International Criminal Court (ICC) this November 2, just four weeks before his scheduled trial on crimes against humanity charges stemming from killings linked to his bloody anti-drug campaign.
Duterte’s lawyer, Peter Haynes, confirmed in a document released Friday that the ICC’s Trial Chamber III had granted the former president’s request to waive his personal appearance, allowing his legal team to represent him during the proceedings.
The November 2 conference will tackle crucial preparations for the November 30 trial, including the prosecution’s witness list, the time allotted for presenting evidence, potentially exculpatory evidence, facts agreed upon by both parties and courtroom protection measures.
Duterte previously attended the third and fourth status conferences, including the October 13 hearing.
The former president faces allegations of crimes against humanity involving killings committed during his tenure as Davao City mayor and his presidency, when his administration waged a nationwide crackdown on illegal drugs.
He has been detained at the ICC detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands, since March 2025 following his arrest.
ICC prosecutors allege that Duterte bears criminal responsibility for killings carried out in connection with anti-drug operations. The charges remain subject to judicial determination.
With the November 30 trial approaching, the upcoming conference is expected to settle outstanding procedural and evidentiary matters to ensure that both the prosecution and defense are prepared for the proceedings.
Duterte has not been convicted of the charges against him./PN
