ICC holds last day of confirmation of charges hearing, review Duterte detention

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday will hold the last confirmation of charges hearing of former President Rodrigo Duterte over his crimes against humanity case.

The ICC will also review Duterte's detention.

The defense, prosecution, and the victims' representatives will make their closing statements. 

During the four-day hearings, the prosecution asked Pre-Trial Chamber I to confirm the charges against Duterte, arguing that the former president played a pivotal role in the commission of the crimes he has been charged with.

Victims’ representative Paolina Massidda echoed this. She said that the prosecutors met the evidentiary standard for confirming the charges.

Meanwhile, the defense expressed hope that the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I will dismiss the charges and give back the Filipino people “their Tatay Digong.” 

In arguing that the evidence against Duterte was insufficient, the defense said that the 80-year-old did not issue specific orders to kill drug suspects in the course of his campaign to dismantle the illegal drug trade

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

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.