Duterte hearing before ICC set Sept. 23-26

The confirmation of charges hearing for former president Rodrigo Duterte's crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands will run for four days—from Sept. 23 to 26.

- RAYMUND ANTONIO

Information found on the ICC's website showed that the former chief executive will start at 9:30 a.m. erlands time) on Sept. 23. The same time has been set for Sept. 24, 25, and 26 at the ICC's Courtroom 1.

The hearing will be livestreamed on the ICC's website, but with a 30-minute delay to protect sensitive information about the case.

During the confirmation charges hearing, the prosecution and defense will spend 30 minutes each for their opening statements and another 30 minutes for their closing statements.

They are also expected to spend three to four hours addressing the legal issues of the case.

Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) Principal Counsel Paolina Massidda, whose office represents the victims of Duterte's alleged bloody war on drugs policy during his presidency, has also requested 30 minutes each for its opening and closing statements.