Rep Acidre says 43 EJK cases enough to convict Duterte

Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre asserts that the 43 extrajudicial killings (EJKs) identified by ICC prosecutors are sufficient to represent thousands of cases in Duterte's drug war.

Acidre argues that a single case is enough to convict Duterte for crimes against humanity, emphasizing that each documented case reveals a pattern of abuse and brutality.

The lawmaker clarifies that the ICC aims to prove systematic human rights violations rather than representing every death linked to the drug war, responding to claims that 43 cases are insufficient.

According to Acidre, the quality of evidence in these 43 cases demonstrates widespread police violence and civilian deaths under Duterte's administration.

He stresses that focusing on the number of cases is misleading and a deliberate attempt to downplay the significance of systematic killings.

Acidre highlights that each case represents a life lost, families affected, and justice denied, underscoring the weight and meaning behind every documented incident.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague, is scheduled to attend his next hearing on Sept. 23 where charges will be confirmed.