As the International Criminal Court (ICC) prepares for hearing in its investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs,” the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) has called for vigilance against maneuvers that could stall justice for victims of alleged crimes against humanity.
NUPL emphasized that any delays in the case add to the suffering of victims and their families in a statement on Friday.
“Any delay in the proceedings against Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity adds to the anguish and anxiety of victims of his “war on drugs.” the group said.
“Duterte’s challenge to the jurisdiction of the court is well within his rights, but is an urgent one and must be decided before the scheduled confirmation of charges hearing on September 23,” it added.
Earlier, Duterte’s legal team has also challenged the jurisdiction of the ICC over the case, an issue the Pre-Trial Chamber is expected to resolve before the September hearing.
On May 1, the defense asked Judges María del Socorro Flores Liera and Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou to excuse themselves from adjudicating on the challenge.
Despite these developments, NUPL noted that other parts of the case are proceeding as scheduled. The ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor is expected to submit its exchange of evidence by July 1, with the document containing the formal charges due by July 4.
NUPL acknowledged that the ICC case represents only a limited avenue for justice. It does not cover the early years of the Davao Death Squad or the last three years of Duterte’s presidency, and currently involves only Duterte as the main suspect.
“Despite the insensitivity and the ignorance of some rabid cliques, we will continue to look into avenues of redress for victims of human rights violations wherever they may open and however long they may take,” the statement concluded.