The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III has signaled that former president Rodrigo Duterte is expected to personally attend a Sept. 7 status conference in his crimes against humanity case, describing the hearing as a significant proceeding ahead of his trial later this year.

During the second status conference held at The Hague on Tuesday, June 23, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner noted that Duterte's absence was excused only because the hearing was expected to be brief.

“Again, Mr. Haynes, we've excused your client's attendance today, but as I think we made clear, it's only because it's a relatively short hearing," Korner told Duterte’s lead counsel, Peter Haynes.

Haynes acknowledged the chamber's expectation that Duterte would appear in future proceedings.

"He's fully aware that you will expect to see him sooner rather than later," he said.

The chamber tentatively scheduled additional status conferences on July 14, Sept. 7, Oct. 13, and Nov. 2, although Korner said some of the dates may be canceled if there are no matters requiring discussion.

However, the judge singled out the Sept. 7 conference as particularly important because it would take place after the chamber receives all major submissions from the parties, including an expert report on Duterte's medical condition.

"I rather feel the one on the 7th of September because by the time we've had the reports is likely to be an important one—and for that, certainly, Mr. Haynes, we would expect Mr. Duterte to be here unless there's some medical issue," Korner said.

Under the court's timetable, the medical expert's report is due on Aug. 18, while the Registry is expected to submit its report on Aug. 24.

Duterte has not been seen publicly since his first appearance before the ICC on March 14, 2025, when he participated via video link from the ICC Detention Center in The Hague.

Since then, his legal team, formerly headed by Nicholas Kaufman, has represented him in subsequent proceedings, including the June 23 status conference, which he skipped after waiving his right to attend.

The former president remains under ICC custody while awaiting trial.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity for murder and attempted murder in connection with killings linked to his anti-drug campaign when he served as Davao City mayor and later as president.

The ICC is scheduled to open Duterte's trial on Nov. 30, following the confirmation of charges earlier this year.