MANILA — Former president Rodrigo Duterte is expected to appear in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC) every day once his trial on crimes against humanity charges begins on November 30, 2026.

Trial Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner reminded defense counsel Peter Haynes of the requirement during the court’s fifth and final pre-trial conference in The Hague on Monday, November 2.

“Once the actual trial starts, we will expect attendance on a daily basis,” Korner told the defense.

Haynes agreed with the chamber’s position and assured the court that Duterte would attend the proceedings.

The reminder came after Duterte waived his right to attend Monday’s pre-trial conference, with the chamber having granted the defense’s request for his absence.

Korner explained that while the chamber may allow temporary absences during preliminary proceedings, the accused is required to be present once the actual trial begins.

Article 63(1) of the Rome Statute provides that “the accused shall be present during the trial.”

Meanwhile, the chamber rejected a separate request from the Office of Public Counsel for Victims to deliver portions of its opening statement in Tagalog.

Public Counsel for Victims Paolina Massidda argued that using the Filipino language would help accurately convey the experiences of victims. She clarified that Tagalog would only be used when quoting victims and not throughout the entire opening statement.

However, Korner said allowing the request would complicate victim applications and substantially increase trial expenses because of the additional translation requirements.

English and French are the official languages of the ICC under the Rome Statute.

Duterte is facing crimes against humanity charges in connection with killings linked to his administration’s war on drugs.