‘US call to quit ICC won’t affect Duterte trial’

MANILA, Philippines — US President Donald Trump’s call for countries to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) would not affect the ongoing trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing crimes against humanity charges over deaths linked to his drug war, Malacañang said yesterday.

Speaking before the United Nations on Tuesday, Trump described the ICC as “out of control” and “rogue” as he urged countries that are members of the tribunal to quit the institution immediately.

He also vowed not to permit US soldiers to face what he called “show trials” before an “anti-American tribunal.”

Asked to react to the stance of the US, Palace press officer Claire Castro said President Marcos’ position on the ICC had not changed.

Marcos had said it was not yet time for the Philippines to rejoin the ICC.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s defense team has asked the ICC to reject the prosecution’s request to accept the testimony of one of its witnesses.

“While the prosecution asserts that P-1100 (witness) can provide evidence of the DDS (Davao death squad) modus operandi, his evidence shows that he had no personal knowledge of this modus operandi, or the structure, operations, hierarchy or command of any such group,” Defense lawyer Peter Haynes said. –  Janvic Mateo