The camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte has formally opposed the prosecution's request to examine items seized during his arrest, calling the move a 'fishing expedition' lacking legal basis. Lead defense counsel Atty. Peter Haynes argued that the items have been under the custody of the ICC Registry for some time, yet the prosecution only now seeks to inspect them, even after the charges against Duterte have been confirmed. Haynes stated that this would only cause unnecessary delays in the trial.
Defense argues lack of relevance and privacy violations
The defense also criticized the request to examine all confiscated keys, asserting that many have no clear connection to the case and could violate the privacy of Duterte's family members. According to Haynes, the prosecution's motion is overly broad and amounts to a 'fishing expedition' for evidence without sufficient grounds. The defense emphasized that the items have been available for review since the arrest, and the timing of the request suggests an attempt to prolong proceedings.
Defense seeks deadline for new motions
In response, the Duterte camp asked the ICC Trial Chamber III to set June 30, 2026, as the final deadline for any new motions from the prosecution regarding evidence already in the ICC Registry. The goal, according to the defense, is to prevent further delays and ensure that preparations for the upcoming trial can proceed without interruption. The trial is expected to begin later this year, and the defense maintains that it is ready to move forward.
