Former President Rodrigo Duterte will face the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday night.

The ICC announced that "Duterte’s initial appearance is scheduled to take place on Friday" at 2 pm (The Hague local time) or 9 pm (Philippine time).

"During the initial appearance hearing, the judges will verify the identity of the suspect and the language in which he is able to follow the proceedings," said ICC.

"He will be informed of the charges against him and of his rights under the ICC Rome Statute. Pre-Trial Chamber I is composed of Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc (presiding judge) and Judges Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera," the court added.

In a broadcast interview, Center for International Law Philippines Executive Director Gilbert Andres said aside from Duterte, the presence of his lawyers and prosecution are expected during his first appearance on Friday.

The Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands reported that the ICC Detention Officer called the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague informing that Duterte requested to speak with a consular officer.

"During the call, the former President conveyed, among others, that he underwent medical check-up and has received medical care and that he is generally fine," it stated.

"The former President then requested a visit by Embassy consular officials, and also asked the Embassy to assist in the request for a visit by his legal counsel and family member, respectively," it added.

It also noted that Duterte also talked to former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, one of his Legal Counsels on Thursday.

In an interview at the Hague, Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that their camp is already talking with ICC personnel to allow them to visit the former president and for them to be able to attend his initial appearance before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC

"We're currently talking to the ICC personnel inside so that we can do a visit and then we can attend the initial appearance late this afternoon," she said.

"Yesterday, there was a conference with lawyers and we are here right now trying to access the former president," she added. Robina Asido/DMS