The Pre-Trial Chamber 1 of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved the prosecution’s request to extend the deadline for submitting various documents related to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s case.
In a decision dated May 20, 2025, the 3 judges of the Pre-Trial Chamber 1 set the new timeline for submission of the following documents and applications:
- June 16, 2025 — Deadline for the prosecution to submit any applications for redactions of witnesses’ identities or non-disclosure of entire items of evidence and for the Victims and Witnesses Unit to submit observations on such applications
- June 20, 2025 — Deadline to submit “any responses” in relation to the above-mentioned submission
- July 1, 2025 — Deadline for the prosecution to complete the disclosure of the Arrest Warrant Materials related to relevant witnesses mentioned in their request
The 80-year-old Duterte was surrendered to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, on March 14. The initial deadline for disclosing the materials related to the Warrant of Arrest was set for March 21, but it was later postponed to May 9.
On that date, the prosecution submitted additional documents concerning the arrest warrant and requested a further extension to disclose the remaining materials.
The Pre-Trial Chamber noted that the defense team did not object to these requests.
The Chamber stated that sufficient justification was provided, in accordance with regulation 35 of the Regulations, to grant an extension of the relevant deadlines.
Duterte’s confirmation hearing at the ICC is scheduled for September 23. Authorities executed an ICC warrant for Duterte’s arrest on March 11 upon his return from Hong Kong, and he was taken to The Hague on the same day due to allegations of crimes against humanity related to his violent drug campaign during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and as president of the Philippines. (ZIA LUNA)
