The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) formally petitioned to dismiss former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team’s challenge against the tribunal’s jurisdiction in his case.
In a 27-page document dated June 9, Principal Counsel Paolina Massida, appointed to represent potential victims, requested the rejection of Duterte’s legal claims.
Massida cited a 38-page document dated May 1, which questioned the ICC’s authority over Duterte’s arrest for alleged crimes against humanity related to the war on drugs.
Duterte’s defense team used this challenge to appeal for his immediate release and the dismissal of charges against him.
The OPCV clarified that Articles 12 and 27 of the Rome Statute indicate that the Philippines’ withdrawal has no legal bearing on the ICC’s established jurisdiction, especially since the preliminary examination began before the country’s exit took effect.
The counsel emphasized that the ICC retains jurisdiction over the case and expressed deep concern over the potential harm to victims if proceedings halt following Duterte’s legal challenge.