Lawyer Kristina Conti, Assistant to Counsel, has warned that the ongoing threats and intimidation by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte against the International Criminal Court (ICC) are being used as evidence by the prosecution to oppose requests for his interim release.
Conti stated that they will not interfere with the mistakes of their opponents, emphasizing that the repeated denial of the ICC's legitimacy only strengthens the prosecution's position. She quoted the saying, 'Do not interrupt when your enemy is making a mistake,' and added, 'The threats against the ICC and the denial of its legitimacy by Duterte supporters are being used by the prosecution to oppose interim release. Go ahead, continue with that, ka-DDS.'
On April 23, 2026, the ICC confirmed three counts of crimes against humanity against Duterte related to the thousands of deaths in the anti-drug campaign, with trial set to begin between October 2026 and February 2027. Two of Duterte's lead lawyers recently resigned, prompting a change in defense strategy, but Conti insisted this does not affect the strength of the evidence against the former president.
Despite the defense tactics, the victims' camp remains steadfast, believing that the public statements of Duterte's supporters further solidify the prosecution's case at the ICC.
