ICC Prosecutors, Victims’ Counsel Urge Dismissal of Duterte Jurisdiction Challenge

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecution and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) have urged the Appeals Chamber to dismiss former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s challenge to the Court’s jurisdiction over its investigation into drug-war killings.

In separate submissions dated December 8, both offices said Duterte’s defense failed to show any legal error in the Pre-Trial Chamber’s ruling, which allowed the investigation to resume. They stressed that the ICC maintains authority despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Court in 2019.

Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang noted that the situation was already under ICC consideration before the withdrawal took effect, placing it within the Court’s continuing jurisdiction.

OPCV Principal Counsel Paolina Massidda cited Article 127(2) of the Rome Statute, emphasizing that withdrawal does not invalidate investigations initiated while a state was still a party. She added that victims’ rights and judicial integrity require the case to proceed.

Both offices called for the appeal to be dismissed in full to allow the investigation to move forward without delay.

• via TPNC Global Newsdesk