Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team is urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold an urgent status conference before the tribunal’s summer recess on July 25.
A redacted version of the formal request, signed by Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, highlights their need to clarify whether the scheduled confirmation of charges hearing on September 23 will push through. Duterte is facing a case for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his war on drugs.
The legal counsel also expressed concern about delays in the proceedings, claiming these affect their preparation for the upcoming hearing. They stressed that the lack of progress could hamper their ability to properly respond to the charges laid against the former president.
Kaufman emphasized that the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I has the authority to call for a status conference. According to him, doing so could help ensure that the legal process moves forward smoothly and without further disruption.
The request signals the Duterte camp’s continued efforts to address the case before the international court, which has been met with both legal and political resistance from the Philippine government in the past. As of now, the ICC has yet to issue a response to the petition.
