An International Criminal Court (ICC) accredited lawyer said that the "disclosure" is essential in the period before the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte in September 23.

"The most important thing that will happen between now and September is the disclosure. The prosecutor will give former President Duterte the evidence that will be used against him in the trial in advance so that he can prepare", ICC-accredited lawyer and chairperson of Center Law Joel Ruiz Butuyan stated in a radio interview on Sunday.

Butuyan said the trial that will take place on September is "fair" and is an advantage for Duterte as "it's a big privilege for him as the Philippine (court) doesn't have that".

"In fact, at the ICC, the prosecutor is obliged to provide the evidence they gathered to former President Duterte that will help in his defense. That's the one difference between us here in the Philippines and at the ICC", Butuyan added.

Butuyan said that during the period before the ICC trial in September, Duterte can appeal about issues such as implementation of the warrant of arrest against him, the jurisdiction of ICC in the Philippines following his arrest, or request for an interim release.

ICC Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc announced that the next hearing against Duterte is scheduled to begin on September 23, 2025. The announcement was made after the first appearance of former President Rodrigo Duterte before Pre-Trial in The Hague on Friday. Marie Manalili/DMS