ICC lawyer: Duterte may face more additional cases

National

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte may face more cases before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Fadi El Abdallah, ICC spokesperson, said additional evidence may be presented against Duterte as the initial evidence on 43 killings was only for his arrest warrant application.

"This doesn't mean that these are the only incidents that may be included in the charge," said El Abdallah in a report by Philippine Star.

The report added that the ICC prosecutor cited 45 acts of murder, four acts of torture, and three acts of rape as crimes against humanity that Duterte is currently facing.

The charges are based on a "representative sample of multiple acts of violence" and "widespread and systematic" cases. Of the 43 killings highlighted in the warrant, 19 were allegedly linked to the so-called Davao Death Squad, while 24 were related to the war on drugs during the Duterte administration.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber hearing is scheduled for September 23, where the prosecutor may submit additional evidence.

El Abdallah emphasized that this is not yet the trial. He explained that the confirmation of charges hearing serves as a pre-trial phase, where judges will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or is dismissed.

The confirmation of charges process assesses whether the prosecutor’s evidence is strong enough to justify a full trial.

Before this hearing, the prosecutor must disclose the evidence to the defense, allowing time for review. The hearing itself will last only a few days but is scheduled months after Duterte’s initial appearance to ensure fairness.

Both the prosecution and defense may call witnesses, who can be cross-examined by the opposing side. The ICC prosecutor has already disclosed 181 pieces of evidence cited in the warrant application.

El Abdallah stressed that upholding the defense’s right to access evidence is crucial for a fair judicial process.

He added that not all drug war victims' families are required to testify before the ICC.

Victims can participate by filling out a form, and witnesses will be selected by the Victims Participation and Reparations Section (VPRS), which will make recommendations to the Pre-Trial Chamber.(Rena Cris C. Ynoy, CTU Intern)