Duterte camp presents arguments at ICC pre-trial hearing

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team started presenting their arguments on Thursday to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber 1, which will determine if the charges of crimes against humanity will proceed to trial.

According to the ICC, Duterte’s legal team, led by Nicholas Kaufman, will be allotted three hours for their presentation, with a break after each hour.

“The defense does not disrespect the soul of any deceased person nor does it make light of the loss of life. Any criticism made by us not be leveled at the loved ones,” he said.

Criticisms will be confined to the prosecution’s allegations, Kaufman added. 

Kaufman previously expressed hope that the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I would dismiss the charges and return "Tatay Digong" to the Filipino people.

He argued that the evidence against Duterte was “wholly insufficient.”

READ: DAY IN COURT: ICC Hearings on the Charges vs. Duterte

Expect the same statements

“Defense’s submission of arguments will run the whole day. Please expect the same type of statements that you heard during their opening statements. But definitely, please expect attacks against victims, calling them fake and denigrating their pain,”  ICC Assistant to Counsel Atty. Kristina Conti said during the Duterte Panagutin Network’s EDSA@40 commemoration protest in The Hague on Wednesday.

“When everything is staged, what is true? Clearly, we need to set the line. Truth always must depend on facts,” she added. 

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity for alleged murder and attempted murder during his time as mayor and president.

The murders in count 1 were allegedly perpetrated by members of the DDS in or around Davao City between 2013 and around 2016 while Duterte was mayor. These covers 19 victims alleged to be criminals, including 3 children.

Meanwhile, the murders in count 2 were allegedly perpetrated by members of the “National Network” across the Philippines during his presidency between 2016 and 2017. This covers 14 victims labeled as “high-value targets.”

Under Count 3, the alleged murders and attempted murders were perpetrated by members of the National Network in locations across the country during his presidency between 2016 and 2018. This covers 45 victims. 

The final hearing will be held on February 27, Friday. 

The defense, prosecution, and the representatives of the victims will make their closing statements. The ICC will also review the detention of Duterte. —VBL, GMA Integrated News