The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber on Wednesday, September 16, urged prosecutors to consider reducing the number of witnesses they intend to present in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
During the third status conference, Trial Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the Prosecution’s request to present its case over 193 hours was a “very lengthy period of time.”
“You may want to think about whether it is possible to reduce the number of witnesses,” Korner said, noting that the Prosecution has four experts addressing the same topic.
“It really is important… that we conclude the case as quickly as possible. I think you may want to think long and hard about this,” the judge added.
ICC trial lawyer Edward Jeremy said the Prosecution would look for opportunities to streamline its presentation. He explained, however, that the 193-hour estimate was already the “reduced version” of the Prosecution’s original request.
Korner clarified that the Trial Chamber would not decide on the matter during Wednesday’s conference.
Duterte attended the status conference in person for the first time. He is facing ICC charges over alleged killings committed during the period covered by the Court’s investigation into the Philippines, including his time as Davao City mayor and president.
Duterte was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in March 2025 and was subsequently transferred to The Hague, where he remains detained at the ICC Detention Centre in Scheveningen, the Netherlands.
The ICC proceedings are separate from the Philippine justice system and concern allegations within the Court’s jurisdiction.
