The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino groups calling for accountability over the victims of the drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the ruling of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber rejecting all four appeals filed by the defense team. In a statement sent to The Manila Times on Wednesday, Duterte Panagutin spokesman Joel Vega said the group had anticipated the ruling. “Although we expected this outcome, we welcome this definitive development since Duterte’s defense lawyers have already exhausted all avenues to derail or block a full trial,” Vega said. “We now expect the confirmation of charges soon. These developments are consistent with the strength of the evidence that will be presented in court,” he added. Vega also said their group was heckled by Duterte supporters. “Our group was heckled by Duterte supporters who gathered even though their permit was not yet in effect for another hour. We are documenting these incidents and will consider filing appropriate complaints against the DDS to put a stop to their disruptive activities near the detention center. Dutch residents have already complained that these gatherings obstruct bike lanes and pose a danger to pedestrians,” he said. “The Dutch police ordered the DDS supporters to leave and return only at their designated time,” Vega added. The activist—also known for petitioning Dutch authorities to reject the asylum bid of former Duterte spokesman Harry Roque—urged Filipinos to support families of drug war victims. “Beyond the ICC proceedings, the Filipino people must continue to support the families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims. They still face intimidation and political hostility from the Duterte camp,” Vega said. “Even ICC judges have not been spared from vicious attacks online and in person by DDS supporters. We witnessed this firsthand when they heckled our group at the ICC grounds,” he added. The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (Pahra) also welcomed the development. “By dismissing the final challenge to its authority, the Court has cleared the path for a full trial. The ruling reaffirms that withdrawing from the Rome Statute does not grant immunity for crimes committed during the period of membership,” the group said. “This decision sends a clear message to Duterte and his accomplices that the era of abusing power is over. They are now subject to a court where justice is upheld—unlike what many Filipinos experienced under their rule,” said Pahra Secretary-General Edgar Cabalitan. “No technicality will erase the blood on their hands. This victory belongs to the orphans and widows who refused to be silenced, proving that justice can outlast any tyrant,” Cabalitan added. Meanwhile, Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino Dee expressed confidence in the ICC process. “Attention should now turn to the pre-trial chamber’s decision on whether there are substantial grounds for the trial to proceed, which is expected within the month,” he told The Manila Times in a Messenger chat.
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