Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte said the defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte is now preparing for trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC), expressing her belief that the tribunal will not drop the case.
In an interview with Duterte supporters in The Hague on Monday, May 4, Duterte said their camp does not expect the ICC to abandon proceedings following key rulings affirming jurisdiction and confirming charges.
“We don’t see any way that the ICC will let go of the case of President Duterte,” she said.
The vice president stated that the legal team is now shifting its focus toward trial preparation as the case moves forward.
“Ito ay talagang mapupunta sa trial ang pinakamagandang gawin ay maghanda para sa trial,” Duterte said.
[Translation: This will really go to trial the best way to move forward is to prepare for trial.]
She added that the developments were anticipated by their lawyers.
“Tanggap ko na ito. Napag-usapan na rin namin ito ng mga abogado,” she said.
[Translation: I have accepted it as it is. We have already discussed this with our lawyers.]
The former president is facing allegations of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Despite the legal challenges, the vice president said her father remains in good condition.
“Okay lang naman. Mukha naman siyang maayos at malusog,” she said.
[Translation: He’s okay. He looks well and healthy.]
Trial in a few months
The ICC has yet to set a firm trial date, but proceedings could begin in the coming months, depending on case developments.
ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet earlier told The Newsmaker that the timeline will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the number of witnesses.
“The duration of the trial really depends on the circumstances of the case, the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses that will be appearing,” Maillet said.
She added that the schedule will ultimately be determined by the judges and may not run continuously.
“The calendar will be set by the judges. So sometimes you will have weeks where there is recess,” she said.
Maillet noted that ICC cases typically involve large-scale crimes requiring extensive evidence and legal review.
“The crimes prosecuted by the ICC are of a very specific nature, often they are mass crimes, they require a vast amount of evidence,” she said.
Despite this, she assured that proceedings will remain fair and impartial.
