The International Criminal Court (ICC) has set a July 1, 2025 deadline for prosecutors to submit all evidence they intend to use in the confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.
In a decision signed by ICC Presiding Judge Yulia Motoc, along with Judges Reine Alapini-Gansou and Socorro Flores Liera, the court made it clear that any evidence filed past the deadline would not be considered for the hearing scheduled on September 23.
Prosecutors must begin submitting witness statements, translations, and any material that could potentially benefit the defense “on a rolling basis,” the ruling said, urging early and consistent compliance rather than a last-minute rush.
So far, the prosecution has disclosed it holds at least 421 documents, nine photographs, and nearly 16 hours of audio and video recordings linked to Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
Duterte, who was arrested in Manila on March 11 and flown to The Hague, has yet to issue a statement through his legal team in response to the latest court directive. Human rights advocates believe this stage will be a turning point in the international case against the former leader.
The September hearing will determine whether the case advances to a full trial.
