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Thursday, Aug 07, 2025
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ICC Prosecutor to Address Rodrigo Duterte's Interim Release Request
Legal teams present opposing views as former Philippine president seeks conditional release amid ongoing ICC proceedings.
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that it will respond to a request for the interim release of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
This announcement comes as Duterte’s defense team filed an urgent request citing his age and a pledge not to flee or commit further crimes.
The OTP stated that its position will be formally articulated in a public filing with the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I overseeing the case.
According to Duterte’s legal counsel, the defense has claimed that the prosecution has indicated a non-opposition to the release, subject to specific conditions being met.
The assertion has garnered surprise and concern from legal representatives of victims affected by Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, who warn that his provisional release could pose significant risks to those seeking justice.
Human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, representing some of the victims, expressed strong opposition to Duterte’s petition, arguing that granting release could potentially escalate threats to both victims and their legal advocates.
Colmenares emphasized that the ongoing legal procedures allow for victims and their representatives to voice opposition to this request, articulating a commitment to ensure the safety and justice for affected families.
Colmenares further critiqued the defense's characterization of Duterte as lacking influence, referencing ongoing political events in the Philippines, including delays in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter.
He stated that Duterte has a documented history of failing to adhere to commitments and raised concerns regarding the trustworthiness of any assurances made regarding his obedience to court orders.
Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed expectations that the ICC would handle Duterte’s motion in a manner consistent with its previous engagements, highlighting the importance of considering the implications for justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings during his administration.
She raised concerns surrounding Duterte’s potential availability for future hearings and the safety of victim families.
Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel stated that allowing Duterte’s interim release would likely embolden his supporters and increase harassment against the families of victims.
He characterized the potential release as a 'disinformation bomb,' suggesting it could lead to renewed intimidation of those pursuing justice in the ICC.
The ongoing proceedings at the ICC are part of a broader investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s aggressive anti-drug policies, which have reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths since he took office in 2016.
This announcement comes as Duterte’s defense team filed an urgent request citing his age and a pledge not to flee or commit further crimes.
The OTP stated that its position will be formally articulated in a public filing with the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I overseeing the case.
According to Duterte’s legal counsel, the defense has claimed that the prosecution has indicated a non-opposition to the release, subject to specific conditions being met.
The assertion has garnered surprise and concern from legal representatives of victims affected by Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, who warn that his provisional release could pose significant risks to those seeking justice.
Human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, representing some of the victims, expressed strong opposition to Duterte’s petition, arguing that granting release could potentially escalate threats to both victims and their legal advocates.
Colmenares emphasized that the ongoing legal procedures allow for victims and their representatives to voice opposition to this request, articulating a commitment to ensure the safety and justice for affected families.
Colmenares further critiqued the defense's characterization of Duterte as lacking influence, referencing ongoing political events in the Philippines, including delays in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter.
He stated that Duterte has a documented history of failing to adhere to commitments and raised concerns regarding the trustworthiness of any assurances made regarding his obedience to court orders.
Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed expectations that the ICC would handle Duterte’s motion in a manner consistent with its previous engagements, highlighting the importance of considering the implications for justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings during his administration.
She raised concerns surrounding Duterte’s potential availability for future hearings and the safety of victim families.
Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel stated that allowing Duterte’s interim release would likely embolden his supporters and increase harassment against the families of victims.
He characterized the potential release as a 'disinformation bomb,' suggesting it could lead to renewed intimidation of those pursuing justice in the ICC.
The ongoing proceedings at the ICC are part of a broader investigation into allegations of crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s aggressive anti-drug policies, which have reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths since he took office in 2016.
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