Duterte’s new counsel health review, longer trial preparation time

National

THE appointment of British lawyer Peter Haynes as the new counsel of former president Rodrigo Duterte has been approved by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

After his appointment was confirmed, Haynes then moved to defer the trial, citing the need for Duterte ti undergo health review to determine his fitness to stand trial.

Haynes also raised the need for a longer trial preparation time.

According to court records finalized on May 15, Duterte’s previous attorney, Nicholas Kaufman, requested permission to withdraw on after the former president indicated a preference to restructure his legal representation.

Trial Chamber III approved the withdrawal on May 11.

Duterte signed the formal appointment of counsel form on May 13, and Haynes accepted the mandate the same day.

According to the official filing from the ICC Registry, the appointment is now fully recognized by the international court.

“The appointment has been confirmed by the Registry on 15 May 2026, following Counsel's acceptance of the appointment,” the document read.

Following his appointment, Haynes submitted a motion requesting a new medical and psychological fitness review to determine if the former president is capable of standing trial.

Additionally, the defense requested a preparation period of 14 to 19 months before proceedings begin, should Duterte be found fit to proceed.

Thw requested timeline stands in contrast to the schedule proposed by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor.

In its submission to Trial Chamber III, the prosecution recommended that the trial commence on November 30, 2026, aiming to conclude all pre-trial disclosures by September 30.

The three-judge panel of Trial Chamber III, presided over by Judge Joanna Korner alongside Judges Nicolas Guillou and Keebong Paek, will review these conflicting timeline submissions, evidence disclosures, and procedural motions.

Duterte is charged with crimes against humanity in connection with alleged killings linked to anti-drug operations during his time as Davao City mayor and later as president of the Philippines.(Hanna Jane A. Cabasag, CNU-Main Campus BA Comm Intern)