The International Criminal Court (ICC) has assigned a three-judge panel to preside over the trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a key step in the proceedings after charges of crimes against humanity were confirmed.
ICC President Tomoko Akane appointed Judges Joanna Korner, Keebong Paek, and Nicolas Guillou to Trial Chamber III, which will handle the full case record, including evidence, transcripts, and the decision confirming the charges. The chamber will also conduct hearings and oversee the trial phase moving forward.
Below is an overview of the three judges who will preside over the case:
Judge Joanna Korner (United Kingdom)
Joanna Korner is a highly experienced British jurist with more than 45 years in criminal law. She has served as a judge of the Crown Court of England and Wales, handling serious cases involving murder, fraud, and complex criminal prosecutions.
Before joining the ICC, Korner worked extensively with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, where she prosecuted major war crimes cases, including high-profile trials involving Bosnian Serb leaders. She has also served as senior legal adviser to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s chief prosecutor during the establishment of its war crimes division.
A Queen’s Counsel since 1993, she was awarded the title Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George for her contributions to international law.
Judge Keebong Paek (South Korea)
Keebong Paek brings over three decades of legal experience, beginning his career as a public prosecutor in South Korea in 1992. He later held senior positions in the Ministry of Justice, where he worked on international legal cooperation and ICC-related legislation.
Paek also served at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, supporting member states in combating transnational organized crime and strengthening law enforcement systems.
A legal scholar as well, he holds advanced degrees, including an LLM from Columbia Law School and a PhD focused on evidence law in ICC proceedings. He has authored multiple publications on international criminal justice and previously worked in private practice specializing in white-collar crime and cross-border investigations.
Judge Nicolas Guillou (France)
Nicolas Guillou is a French jurist with extensive experience in international courts and judicial cooperation. Prior to joining the ICC, he served as a pretrial judge at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and held senior positions in international tribunals, including the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
He also worked with the U.S. Department of Justice as a liaison prosecutor, facilitating international legal cooperation in criminal and civil matters.
Guillou began his career as an investigative judge in France and has trained judges in international criminal law. He holds a master’s degree in international and European criminal law from Sorbonne University and is a graduate of the French National School for the Judiciary.
What Happens Next?
The three-judge panel will now formally receive the complete case file, including evidence and the ICC’s confirmation of charges. They are expected to schedule initial status conferences with the prosecution, defense, and victims’ representatives before the trial formally begins.
Under ICC procedures, trials typically begin within six months to 18 months after charges are confirmed. Once proceedings start, Duterte will be required to appear before the court.
More than 500 relatives of victims linked to the anti-drug campaign have already been authorized to participate, underscoring the scale and global attention surrounding the case.
