The International Criminal Court (ICC) trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is moving through status conferences as both sides manage the scale and timing of evidence and witnesses. ICC prosecutors say they plan to present five witnesses in person before the end of the year and have discussed bringing additional witnesses through prior recorded testimony. The defense, however, challenges how the prosecution handles disclosures and the volume of documents.
Multiple filings and rulings center on evidence management in the ICC’s case for crimes against humanity, including killings linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. The ICC Trial Chamber rejects Duterte’s request to cap prosecution evidence at about 10,000 items and also denies a motion to open a new prosecution case file with a refreshed evidence list limited to roughly that number. Judges also criticize the defense counsel for refusing to cooperate with proposed measures to reduce the “data” or documentation for trial.
Across outlets, prosecutors also seek to admit additional witnesses—either through in-person testimony scheduled for 2026 or through recorded testimony of further individuals believed to have knowledge related to alleged police killings in Bulacan province. The proceedings continue as judges decide how evidence will be organized and presented.
