Metro Manila, Philippines – Lawyers for former President Rodrigo Duterte have withdrawn their bid to appeal an International Criminal Court ruling that allowed lawyers representing drug war victims to remain in the case.
In a filing dated March 16, Duterte’s defense team formally notified the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I that it was withdrawing its request for leave to appeal an earlier decision rejecting its attempt to disqualify the victims’ legal representatives.
The chamber has yet to rule on the appeal request tied to its Feb. 20 decision, which dismissed claims of conflict of interest on the part of the victims’ lawyers.
“The Defence … hereby formally notifies Pre-Trial Chamber I of the withdrawal,” the filing said, adding that the move is “without prejudice” to other legal remedies that may still be pursued.
Duterte’s legal team earlier sought to remove Filipino lawyers Nicole Arcaina, Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres, arguing that their professional connections could pose a conflict of interest and potentially affect access to evidence.
Judges, however, ruled that the defense failed to show legal basis for disqualification, describing the claims as speculative.
Despite dropping the appeal bid, the defense signaled it may continue to raise concerns over what it described as a possible “impediment to representation” involving the victims’ lawyers.
Duterte is under ICC custody in The Hague as he faces allegations of crimes against humanity for murder in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
