Malacañang Responds to ICC Prosecution Claims
Malacañang has urged the lead counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte to concentrate on his responsibilities after accusing President Marcos of orchestrating Duterte’s prosecution before the International Criminal Court. The issue surrounding the ICC prosecution remains a highly sensitive topic in Philippine politics.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the situation during a press briefing on May 30. Castro criticized Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, stating that he appeared misinformed about the case. “It is very apparent and very obvious that Atty. Kaufman is being surrounded by fake news peddlers,” she said.
She added, “He doesn’t know the timeline. He doesn’t know the facts of the case.”
Focus on Job Amid ICC Prosecution Claims
According to sources from the Palace, Kaufman should refrain from spreading unverified rumors. “He should be concentrating on his job as a counsel, not on engaging in rumor mongering,” Castro emphasized.
Last week, in an interview conducted in The Hague, Kaufman claimed that President Marcos had “thrown President Duterte over here to The Hague” and labeled Marcos as the “real prosecutor” in this case. Kaufman also accused the president of using the Office of the Prosecutor as a political tool, adding, “It won’t work.”
Background of the ICC Case
Currently, Duterte is held in an ICC federal facility after being arrested for crimes against humanity. He was transferred to the court’s custody on March 11. The ICC has pursued a full investigation into Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign. This inquiry continued despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019, as the court maintains jurisdiction over acts committed while the country was still a member.
President Marcos and his administration have consistently stressed that they will not interfere with the ICC’s proceedings, including the case involving Duterte. This stance reflects the government’s respect for international legal processes and the rule of law.
Looking Ahead
As the case progresses, officials urge all parties involved to focus on their duties and avoid distractions fueled by misinformation. The ICC prosecution claims have sparked debates, but authorities insist on upholding the integrity of the legal process.
For more news and updates on ICC prosecution claims, visit Filipinokami.com.
