ICC rejects Duterte’s inhibition plea – BusinessWorld Online
THE International Criminal Court’s (ICC) has rejected a plea by former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s legal team to bar two judges from deciding on whether the court has the authority to hear his case.
In a four-page decision on May 6, the court’s Pre-Trial Chamber ruled that the defense could not seek the inhibition of judges Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera.
The decision was signed by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc.
Earlier, the tough-talking leader’s lawyers challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines.
On the same day, the defense also sought the inhibition of the judges, citing the potential for “perceived bias.”
Both judges were part of the panel that had authorized the preliminary investigation into Mr. Duterte.
Meanwhile, palace spokesperson Clarissa A. Castro on Wednesday said high-ranking government officials instructed by the Ombudsman to submit a counter-affidavit regarding Mr. Duterte’s arrest would adhere to the order.
“Given the quick action taken by the Ombudsman regarding the complaint filed by Senator [Ma. Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” R.] Marcos, we will respond accordingly,” she told a news briefing in Filipino. “The officials in question will respond, and they will submit their counter-affidavits.”
The Justice and Interior secretaries, national police chief, Crime Investigation and Detection Group director and special envoy on transnational crimes of the Foreign Affairs department were given 10 days to comment on the findings of irregularity by the Senate foreign relations committee on Mr. Duterte’s arrest in March.
The 80-year-old maverick ex-mayor is now under ICC custody, awaiting a trial set for September.
He is under investigation for his alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his government’s bloody war on drugs. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
