ICC begins today Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I will begin Monday ( 5 p.m. Manila time) the four-day confirmation of charges hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign.

According to the ICC schedule, the Pre-Trial Chamber I will read the charges against Duterte, who will not be present after the court granted his request to waive his right to attend the hearings.

Following this, the ICC Prosecutor, the common legal representatives of the victims (CLRVs), and Duterte’s defense team will deliver their opening statements. The Prosecution will then submit its evidence and arguments on the merits of the case.

Day in Court: ICC Hearings on Duterte’s Charges

At the close of the confirmation of charges hearing, the Pre-Trial Chamber may:

• Decline to confirm the charges, without preventing the Prosecution from submitting a subsequent request based on additional evidence.
• Adjourn the hearing and ask the Prosecution to provide further evidence, conduct additional investigation, or amend the charges.
• Confirm the charges and commit the case for trial. Upon confirmation, the Presidency of the Court will constitute a Trial Chamber to oversee the next phase of proceedings.

The hearings are scheduled to continue on February 24, 26, and 27.

Charges against Duterte

The ICC Prosecutor has charged Duterte with 49 incidents of murder and attempted murder during the implementation of the anti-narcotics campaign, noting that “the actual scale of victimization during the charged period was significantly greater.”

The court previously identified alleged co-perpetrators involved in the “common plan” to “neutralize alleged criminals” through violent crimes, including murder.

They include Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Senator Bong Go, lawyer Vitaliano Aguirre II, and former police officials Vicente Danao, Camilo Cascolan (deceased), Oscar Albayalde, among others.

Government records indicate that around 6,200 drug suspects were killed during Duterte’s administration in police operations, while human rights groups estimate the death toll could reach as high as 30,000 due to unreported incidents.—MCG/RSJ, GMA Integrated News