The Manila Times

ICC prepares high-tech case management platform for Duterte proceedings

MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court is preparing to use a sophisticated digital case-management system to organize evidence, track witnesses, and manage trial records in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte. In a filing submitted to Trial Chamber III, the ICC Registry recommended the use of its Judicial Workflow Platform (JWP), an electronic system that allows judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and victims' representatives to access and manage case materials in one centralized database. The platform includes tools for cataloging evidence, monitoring witness information, and maintaining court records throughout the proceedings. The Registry said the system would help ensure that all parties work from a single, comprehensive record of the case, reducing the risk of misplaced documents and streamlining the presentation of evidence during trial. Registry officials have already held meetings with Duterte's defense team, prosecutors, and lawyers representing victims to demonstrate the platform's features as preparations for trial continue. Beyond the digital platform, the Registry also proposed several measures intended to improve the management of trial records and court proceedings. Among them was the adoption of procedures used in previous ICC cases for producing public redacted versions of hearing transcripts. The Registry said those procedures have consistently proven effective and represent a best practice in balancing transparency with the protection of sensitive information. The Registry also recommended a standardized process for requesting additional transcript redactions after hearings have concluded, proposing that parties clearly identify requested redactions and submit them electronically using designated forms. To improve the accuracy of court records, it further urged the chamber to adopt a transcript verification process previously employed in another ICC case, saying the system had demonstrated its effectiveness in facilitating timely corrections. The filing likewise addressed procedures for in-court redactions, asking the chamber to consider delays that may arise from email communications. The Registry proposed that requests for redactions be submitted no later than 12 minutes after the relevant information is disclosed in court, while parties and participants would be given four minutes to raise objections. The recommendations were submitted by the Registry in response to the chamber’s directive during the first status conference and are intended to help shape the rules and procedures that will govern Duterte’s trial.