ICC prosecutor must provide evidence favorable to Duterte defense

An ICC-accredited lawyer stated that the International Criminal Court prosecutor must provide evidence favorable to former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense.

Atty. Joel Ruiz Butuyan explained that this disclosure is part of the pre-trial process ahead of the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23.

Butuyan highlighted that the prosecutor's obligation to share exculpatory evidence is a significant privilege for Duterte, differing from practices in the Philippines.

Duterte's legal team will receive the evidence against him to prepare their defense strategy, including questioning the issuance of the arrest warrant and the ICC's jurisdiction.

The prosecution has presented 43 cases against Duterte, comprising 19 from his time as mayor of Davao City and 24 nationwide, to demonstrate that the murders occurred throughout the country.