President Marcos as Real Prosecutor in Duterte ICC Case
Legal sources familiar with the matter have revealed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is considered the “real prosecutor” behind former President Rodrigo Duterte’s International Criminal Court (ICC) case. This claim was made by Duterte’s international legal counsel amid the former leader’s detention, which has now exceeded 70 days.
In an interview conducted in The Hague, Netherlands, Duterte’s lawyer accused Marcos of using the ICC proceedings as a political weapon. “The real prosecutor in this case is actually in Manila, sitting in his Palace. He’s the person who threw President Duterte over here to The Hague,” the counsel stated on May 23. He added that Marcos turned the Office of the Prosecutor into a tool for his political agenda but warned that this strategy would not succeed.
Political Motives and Election Results
The legal expert pointed out that this alleged political maneuver failed to influence public opinion, especially after the recent midterm elections. Duterte secured a decisive win as mayor of Davao City, which, according to his counsel, reflects widespread discontent toward those behind the ICC case. “The former president won a landslide victory. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a finger in the eye to the people who threw him over here,” he said. He further described the election outcome as a form of protest vote against the ICC case proponents.
Respecting Due Process and Victims’ Rights
Despite the political tensions, the counsel emphasized the importance of respecting lawful procedures and the ICC process. He urged Duterte’s supporters to back the former president within the bounds of the law. “Support him lawfully, and with all respect for due process, the judges, and the victims, who… have an important role to play,” he said.
He also clarified that acknowledging victims’ rights does not imply Duterte’s guilt. The defense intends to present its arguments vigorously during the court proceedings.
Current Status of Duterte’s ICC Case
Duterte was arrested and handed over to the ICC on March 11, facing charges of crimes against humanity. He appeared for his first pre-trial hearing three days later. The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, where the court will decide whether to proceed with the case.
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