📷Bayan Muna nominees Kristina Conti and Neri Colmenares
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is set to make his initial appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, tonight at 9 PM Manila time. Lawyers have described the event as a demonstration of how suspects of crimes should be lawfully arrested and taken into custody.
Bayan Muna first nominee Atty. Neri Colmenares and fourth nominee Atty. Kristina Conti stated that Duterte’s appearance before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber will confirm his identity and ensure he has been informed of the charges against him.
The session will also verify whether Duterte understands the allegations and his rights under the Rome Statute, including the option to apply for interim release pending trial.
While acknowledging Duterte’s right to seek interim release, the lawyers emphasized that he should not receive special treatment, as the detention facility is adequately equipped to meet his needs.
They also expressed concerns about potential interference with court proceedings, citing risks to witness safety and evidence integrity.
“Victims believe he is a flight risk – he is running for mayor of Davao City – and a threat to the safety of witnesses and evidence, and will present these comments on any such petition in a timely and proper manner,” the Bayan Muna nominees said in a statement. They pledged to present these concerns in response to any petition for interim release.
Conti, who represents families of victims of Duterte’s “war on drugs” in ICC complaints, noted that the rights now afforded to Duterte stand in stark contrast to those denied to his victims.
Meanwhile, Duterte has reportedly appointed former Cabinet Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as his counsel for tonight’s proceedings.
Medialdea, who was arrested alongside Duterte on March 11 for disrupting the arrest process, has since claimed that the ICC is concealing Duterte’s whereabouts.
Colmenares and Conti dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the ICC proceedings offer a rare chance to observe due process in action.
They urged the public to focus on the court’s impartiality and the opportunity for victims to confront Duterte on equal footing.
“Duterte’s best defense lies within the court’s walls, not with politics in the Philippines or rallying outside the detention center. For all the damage done, allow us this one comfort and opportunity to confront him in an even playing field,” they concluded. (ZIA LUNA)
