MANILA — The trial proper before the International Criminal Court against former president Rodrigo Duterte may begin between October 2026 and February 2027, according to ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti.

“Baka matagal pa. Buwan po ang bibilangin between eight months to one year. So sabihin natin, between October [2026] to February 2027 pa ito,” Conti said in an interview with Unang Balita.

“Yung paghahanda behind the scenes na natin makikita or walang public hearing yung magaganap na status conferences, magaganap na discussions. Kaya po kapag nagsimula naman ang trial proper, halos tuloy-tuloy na ito,” she added.

Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder, linked to his anti-drug campaign.

Under the Rome Statute, the accused is generally required to be present during trial proceedings, Conti said, although she noted the court allows certain flexibilities, including virtual attendance or livestream participation, to ensure engagement of the accused.

She also stressed that an accused person cannot refuse to appear in bad faith to delay proceedings.

Conti said the first day of trial would likely include proceedings similar to an arraignment, where charges are formally read, followed by the setting of court procedures by judges. The prosecution and defense teams are then expected to present their cases.

Hearings are typically held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ICC working hours, with scheduling dependent on the parties and courtroom availability.

She added that proceedings are expected to be livestreamed, subject to a 30-minute delay due to security considerations.

Conti said the trial itself could last for years, noting that some ICC cases have taken around three years while others have lasted up to a decade.

She also said additional evidence may still be presented during the trial phase.

On Thursday (Manila time), the ICC confirmed crimes against humanity charges against Duterte in connection with killings linked to his war on drugs during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.

In a 50-page document, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ordered Duterte to stand trial after confirming the charges and directed the court registrar to transmit the decision and case record.