ICC cancels July 14 status conference in Duterte case

MANILA, Philippines — Trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have canceled the July 14 status conference in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The ICC Trial Chamber III decided to cancel the scheduled proceedings “in light of the parties and participants indicating that they do not have specific matters which require attention at this stage of the proceedings.”

The next status conference is scheduled on Sept. 16.

During the last status conference on June 23, presiding judge Joanna Korner said they expect Duterte to attend the September status conference “unless there’s some medical issue” that would prevent him from doing so.

Duterte has never appeared in person before ICC judges.

He was last seen by the public on March 14, 2025, when he appeared via video link during his initial appearance hearing before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I. 

His family and lawyers regularly visit him in his detention facility in The Hague.

Duterte’s trial is expected to begin on Nov. 30, pending the result of a medical examination ordered by the judges.