The International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved the Prosecution’s request for more time to hand over critical materials tied to the arrest warrant and witness identities in the crimes against humanity case against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.
In a decision dated May 20, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, led by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, ruled that the Prosecution must complete disclosure of materials related to witnesses no later than July 1, 2025. The court also set a June 16, 2025 deadline for the submission of any applications to withhold the identities of witnesses or parts of the evidence, along with comments from the ICC’s Victims and Witnesses Unit.
“The Chamber notes the Prosecution’s submission that… the immediate disclosure of their identities would give rise to an objective risk to their safety,” the five-page ruling stated, adding that neither the defense nor the Office of Public Counsel for Victims opposed the request.
The court concluded that sufficient justification existed to grant the extension, citing safety concerns and the need to ensure a balanced process. The Prosecution had emphasized that the requested deadlines align with Duterte’s legal rights and that ongoing investigations were being managed carefully to avoid delays in proceedings.
Earlier this year, the ICC revealed that a warrant of arrest for Duterte had been issued under seal on March 7, 2025, and was made public four days later. The former president was arrested by Philippine authorities and surrendered to the court on March 12. He appeared via video link at his first hearing on March 14.
The ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor previously charged Duterte with crimes against humanity—including murder, torture, and rape—allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019. The court found “reasonable grounds” to believe Duterte was individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator.
The hearing to confirm charges is currently set for September 23, 2025.
