OPCV urges ICC to reject Duterte's bid to delay jurisdiction ruling

The Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reject former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense team's request to postpone a ruling on the Court's jurisdiction over alleged crimes during his administration's war on drugs.

The OPCV stated that the defense's request lacks proper procedural foundation and goes against the interests of the victims.

Principal counsel for the victims, Paolina Massidda, argued that the bid to delay the jurisdiction ruling is premature and pertains to a separate issue that does not impact the Court's jurisdiction.

The OPCV described the defense's attempt to delay the ruling as speculative, noting that the Pre-Trial Chamber has not received any concrete applications related to the matters raised by the defense.

The ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I has already issued an arrest warrant for Duterte in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during his anti-drug campaign.

The OPCV stressed that victims are entitled to legal clarity on the court's jurisdiction and warned against stalling the case.