MANILA – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has partially granted the prosecution’s request for access to materials in the custody of the court’s Registry in connection with the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In a report, it said that according to a redacted decision made public on, the ICC said prosecutors would be allowed access to two requested items after finding that they could produce evidence relevant to the investigation.

“The Chamber therefore finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the examination of these materials would produce evidence that is necessary for the investigation,” the ICC said in its decision.

“The Chamber therefore finds that such examination is necessary and proportionate to the legitimate investigative needs. Accordingly, the Chamber grants the requested access to [REDACTED] and [REDACTED],” it added.

However, the court denied the prosecution’s request to examine keys obtained by the Registry following Duterte’s arrest and transfer to ICC custody.

According to the chamber, prosecutors did not sufficiently explain what the keys were connected to or how they would produce evidence necessary for the investigation.

“Turning to the Keys, the Chamber notes that the Prosecution merely submits that the Keys ‘[REDACTED]’, and does not specify to what items the Keys relate to, nor how such items may provide evidnce that are necessary for the investigation,” the ICC said.

The chamber also took note of the defense’s argument that the keys may belong to Duterte’s relatives, raising potential privacy concerns involving third parties.

“The Chamber further notes the Defence’s arguments that the Keys were ‘seized while he was travelling with members of his family’, and it is therefore ‘entirely possible that the keys provide access to material belonging to, or concerning, his relatives, such that their examination would intrude upon the privacy rights of third parties’. In light of these circumstances, the Chamber finds that the requested access to the Keys is neither necessary nor proportionate, and should therefore be rejected,” it added.

Meanwhile, judges of ICC Trial Chamber III have also issued directions governing the conduct of Duterte’s trial.

The reading of charges is scheduled for Nov. 30, 2026.

Under the timetable set by the court, prosecutors must submit their trial brief, witness list and list of evidence by Aug. 31, while the Common Legal Representatives of Victims may file a trial brief by Sept. 28.

Duterte’s legal team has until Oct. 30 to identify the factual or legal issues it intends to challenge, explain the basis for its objections, and outline the general nature of the defense.

The court said the trial will proceed in three phases: presentation of evidence by the prosecution, any presentation of evidence by the Common Legal Representatives of Victims if authorized by the chamber, and presentation of evidence by the defense.

Duterte has been under ICC custody since March 2025 over charges related to alleged killings during his term as Davao City mayor and during his administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign as president.