Duterte camp seeks disqualification of 2 ICC judges

The camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to disqualify two judges from handling his crimes against humanity case over the drug war.

In an 11-page corrigendum dated May 12, the Duterte camp requested The Presidency to disqualify Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Judge María del Socorro Flores Lierarom adjudicating on the issue of jurisdiction.

“The Defence’s request to disqualify the Judges will ensure the autonomy and irreproachability of the judges as well as the efficient conduct of the proceedings by engendering a minimum degree of disturbance to the Chamber’s current composition,” it read.

“The recourse sought will, simultaneously, preserve Mr. Duterte’s right to objectively impartial adjudication,” it added.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 previously denied the Duterte camp’s appeal to excuse Alapini-Gansou and Flores Liera. 

It noted that a judge’s excusal can only be sought by the concerned judge before the presidency, as opposed to disqualification, which the parties may request.

According to the ICC, the presidency is one of the four organs of the court. It is composed of the President and First and Second Vice-Presidents.

Duterte is currently under the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.

The confirmation of charges will take place on September 23, 2025.

In a statement, ICC assistant to counsel Atty. Kristina Conti said Duterte’s election will not hinder the ICC’s proceedings.

“And to be straight to the point, Duterte's election will not hinder, hasten, or stop the ICC proceedings,” she said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News