No lack of witnesses vs Duterte, says ICC lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — Inviting other possible victims of the Duterte administration’s drug war to participate in the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings is not an indication of lack of witnesses or evidence as supporters of the former president would like to make it appear, one of the lawyers representing the victims’ families said yesterday.

“The prosecution is well on track to produce evidence against Duterte. But victims’ application is on until Aug. 3, 2025, and the investigation into the situation in the Philippines continues. It’s a bit different from domestic processes,” ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti said in response to a claim that the call for victims’ participation shows that there is no solid evidence against Rodrigo Duterte.

“Victims’ participation is different from victims as witnesses,” Conti stressed.

She clarified that the call for victims’ participation is not connected with the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, which is in charge of prosecuting Duterte.

Unlike the Philippine legal system, the ICC allows the victims to participate separately in the proceedings.

“Victims who have suffered harm in relation to crimes that fall within the jurisdiction of the Court (at the situation stage) or that fall within the scope of a case (in case proceedings) are entitled to participate in proceedings and, in case of conviction, to also request reparations,” the tribunal said in its primer about the case.

“The right to participate means that victims can present their views and concerns to the Court, at stages of proceedings considered appropriate by the Judges, where their personal interests are affected,” it added.

Victims are currently being represented by the ICC’s Office of Public Counsel for the Victims pending the identification of a common legal representative.

Duterte has been in detention in The Hague since his arrest in March.