ICC Lawyer Calls for Duterte's Personal Appearance in February Hearing
Atty. Kristina Conti, serving as an Assistant to Counsel for the International Criminal Court (ICC), has publicly emphasized the critical need for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to appear in person on February 23. This date marks the continuation of the confirmation of charges hearing related to allegations of crimes against humanity filed against him.
Legal and Public Imperatives for Duterte's Presence
According to Atty. Conti, it is essential for Duterte to directly confront the evidence that the prosecution will present during this pivotal legal proceeding. She argues that his personal attendance is not merely a procedural formality but a fundamental right that allows him to hear and scrutinize the accusations firsthand. Conti further elaborated that beyond legal entitlements, Duterte's presence holds significant public importance. It would demonstrate to both local and international observers his willingness to engage with the judicial process in a transparent manner, potentially bolstering public confidence in the proceedings.
Potential for Non-Appearance and Hearing Clarifications
Despite these strong assertions, Atty. Conti acknowledged the possibility that Duterte's legal team might seek grounds to avoid his appearance, potentially leading to another absence from the hearing. She clarified the nature of the upcoming event, noting that the confirmation of charges hearing is primarily an evidentiary review. It is not the full trial where a final verdict of guilt or innocence would be rendered. Instead, this phase focuses on assessing whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a formal trial, making Duterte's participation crucial for a fair evaluation of the case's merits.
