The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has ordered the prosecution and the defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte to prepare their evidence next month.
The directive requires both parties to organize any form of evidence they plan to present in court.
By April 4, 2025, the prosecution must submit details of the evidence, the number of witnesses, and their testimonies.
Duterte’s legal team has until April 11, 2025, to submit their observations on the prosecution’s information.
They must also indicate whether they intend to present evidence or call their own witnesses for the confirmation hearing scheduled for September.
Regarding the participation of victims, the ICC has given the Registry until April 2, 2025, to submit observations on victim applications for involvement in the proceedings.
This includes admission procedures, proof of identity documents, and legal representation.
Police records show 6,000 deaths linked to the drug war, but human rights groups estimate the toll at 30,000, including vigilante killings.
Duterte previously stated that he takes full responsibility for the charges against him, while his lawyer, Nicolas Kaufman, insists that the former president’s arrest is illegal.