Former president Rodrigo Duterte waived his right to attend the second status conference of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III for his crimes-against-humanity case on June 23, 2026.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner stated that Duterte’s absence was allowed only because the hearing was expected to be brief.
The ICC requested a new medical evaluation of Duterte to determine if he is fit to stand trial, set to start on November 30, 2026.
Judge Korner announced procedural updates and new deadlines during the second status conference. Medical experts have to submit their reports by August 18, 2026, registry filings are due August 24, and more status conferences are scheduled for July 14, October 13, and November 2, said Korner.
Duterte’s lawyers opposed the ICC prosecutors’ request for access to materials seized during his arrest and transfer to the Hague, arguing that such requests should come soon after a suspect enters ICC custody. They also contested the order to freeze Duterte’s seized assets, claiming the funds are already protected.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced it will arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa should he appear at the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which started at the Philippine Senate on July 6, 2026.
Dela Rosa, who played a prominent role in Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs, is now wanted by both the ICC and Philippine authorities. He was absent for six months before he reappeared at the Senate on May 11, 2026. He vanished again three days later, after a shooting that placed the Senate on lockdown.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) believes dela Rosa remains in the Philippines and is following leads to his location.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Dela Rosa will have difficulty leaving the country, as 132 countries are members of the ICC.
Photo © Emmalyn L. Kotte