Justice and Crime ⚖️
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Join the conversation- November 2, 2026
- Jairo Bolledo
The court opened then went to a private session shortly.
- Jairo Bolledo
This happens when private matters or confidential information are being discussed on the floor.
- chayhofilena
Filipina Nicolene "Colene" Arcaina was seen in the ICC trial. She was Ateneo Human Rights Center executive director and an alumna of the Ateneo Law School. She was also lead counsel defense for Efren Morillo, one of the first known survivors of Duterte's drug war. She was chosen by 2 other Filipino lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres, to be case manager. The 3 are legal representatives of EJK victims in the trial. Previously, Duterte's ex-lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman sought to disqualify them but the request was denied.
- chayhofilena
More on lawyers Butuyan and Andres here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/filipino-lawyers-represent-victims-icc-vs-duterte/
- Jairo Bolledo
The court returns to open session after minutes of private session.
- Jairo Bolledo
- Jairo Bolledo
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner reminds the parties that the public should know right away what will be discussed during the trial. She then asks the defense lawyer, Peter Haynes, regarding Duterte's initial defense. Haynes says he's "inclined" to say something at the start of the case.
- Jairo Bolledo
Trial prosecutor Julian Nichols says they will deliver their opening statement in 3 hours or under. For the victims, meanwhile, Paolina Massida says they will take around 3 hours or less.
- Jairo Bolledo
Haynes says they might provide an outline of what Duterte's defense might be.
- chayhofilena
There is a request By Massida to quote parts of the narrative in Tagalog during the opening statement. The narrative is from victims provided to reps of victims. But the official language of the court is either English or French, Judge Korner says.
- Jairo Bolledo
Korner raises concern over the part usage of Tagalog by the victims because it might not be the language of all the victims. But she, however, reiterates that translators will be available during the trial. “We’re going to follow what the Rome Statute has mandated… it will all be in English,” says Korner
- Jairo Bolledo
Here's the new schedule of Duterte's trial from November 30 to December 18 (or until Christmas break) 10:00 to 11:00 am 11:30 am to 12:30 pm LUNCH BREAK: 12:30 to 1:30 pm 1:30 to 2:30 pm 3:00 to 4:00 pm
- Jairo Bolledo
Korner says this schedule will be used to cover the first block of witnesses. There are five witnesses expected to be presented first by the prosecution.
- Jairo Bolledo
Korner asks Nicholls about some details on witnesses. The court is now in private session.
- chayhofilena
there will be a 30-min break: 2:30-3 pm in the afternoon before the final sit-down again for the afternoon session. The new schedule, accdg to Judge Korner, they will "keep under review."
- Jairo Bolledo
The prosecution says they will take 6 hours to present their first witness.
- Jairo Bolledo
As to the cross examination, Haynes says he cannot give specific period for the first witness – it could be five minutes or four hours, he says. As to the four other witnesses, he will take hours to cross-examine, says Haynes.
- Jairo Bolledo
This is the proposed hearing schedule of the parties in 2027: 3 weeks – starting January 11 Break 2 weeks – starting February 8 Break Then final three weeks
- Jairo Bolledo
But this is still subject to the court's approval ^
- chayhofilena
Prosecution proposes a break the week of Feb 22 because of the school break for Dutch, British, and French staff. Judge Korner says the court will take the proposal "under advisement" as the Americans put it.
- Jairo Bolledo
Nicholls agrees with Korner that the court should have live witnesses first, before online ones. Nicholls says the prosecution has 29 witnesses who will testify via audio-video link. He adds that timing or scheduling might be a problem since they will not personally appear before the court. The chamber then floats the idea of starting the hearing earlier since The Netherlands is seven-hour behind Manila from late October until the first few months of 2027.
- chayhofilena
Court goes into private session again
- chayhofilena
Court is back
- Jairo Bolledo
Again, the large data set of evidence against Duterte. Nicholls say they will meet this week with the defense to discuss the large data. They will check if they can come into certain agreements.
- chayhofilena
defense wants 45 days in advance of testimony to be able to respond; Judge Korner wants to set "more concrete deadlines"
- chayhofilena
court is back from a short 30-minute break
- chayhofilena
another private session
- Jairo Bolledo
The court is in private session again. Haynes is discussing defense missions.
- chayhofilena
Isn't this the most number of private sessions the court has had so far @Jairo Bolledo
- Jairo Bolledo
So far, yes, in the last five status conferences.
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