ICC rejects Duterte's challenge to jurisdiction over crimes against humanity

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber has unanimously rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte's challenge to its jurisdiction over alleged crimes against humanity, stating that the court's preliminary examination began before the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute.

In a 32-page decision, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber dismissed the Duterte camp's "jurisdiction challenge" and a related request to postpone its ruling, thereby clearing another hurdle for the continuation of proceedings.

The Chamber reaffirmed that the Philippines remained bound by the Rome Statute from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, when the country's withdrawal took effect, and that the alleged crimes were committed during this period.

The ruling also underscored that the Philippine government's 2018 withdrawal appeared to be a move to "avoid compliance" with the ICC, as it was announced shortly after the Prosecutor opened a preliminary examination into the anti-drug campaign.

The families of drug war victims welcomed the ICC's decision, with assistant to counsel Atty. Kristina Conti expressing relief that a crucial jurisdictional question has been settled.

The ICC warrant for Duterte's arrest alleges that as president, he created, funded, and armed death squads that carried out murders of purported drug users and dealers.

The ruling means the prosecution of the case will proceed at The Hague, with victims' lawyers urging an end to "delaying tactics."