31-10-2024 (MANILA) In what legal experts are calling a pivotal development, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent testimony before the Philippine Senate could potentially strengthen the case against him at the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to victims’ families and human rights advocates.
During Monday’s Senate hearing, Duterte made the remarkable admission that he had instructed police officers to provoke suspects into fighting back, thereby creating circumstances that would justify lethal force. This statement has drawn significant attention from legal observers and human rights groups.
Prominent human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares suggests that an ICC arrest warrant for Duterte could be imminent. “The former president’s Senate testimony has effectively undermined the ‘self-defence’ narrative that has been central to justifying these killings,” Colmenares stated. “Should the ICC proceed with an arrest warrant, Duterte would become the first Asian head of state to face trial at The Hague.”
The Senate hearing has also sparked controversy due to the participation of Senators Ronald Dela Rosa and Bong Go, both close allies of the former president. Critics have pointed out potential conflicts of interest, given their previous roles in Duterte’s administration and alleged involvement in the drug war’s implementation.
Llore Pasco, who lost two children during the anti-drug campaign, expressed frustration at what she perceived as Duterte’s lack of remorse during the hearing. “He continues to display pride rather than contrition,” she said. “Justice remains elusive for families like ours who lost loved ones.”
Legal experts note that securing justice within the Philippine judicial system has proved challenging. Attorney Rey Cortez of the National Union of People’s Lawyers highlighted ongoing difficulties in obtaining police documentation related to drug war investigations.
The ICC is currently investigating allegations of crimes against humanity in connection with Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which human rights organisations estimate resulted in thousands of deaths. Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has confirmed that transcripts from both Senate and House committee hearings have been forwarded to the ICC.
