A lawyer representing victims before the International Criminal Court (ICC) pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday, accusing her of attempting to “gaslight” the tribunal following her latest criticisms.
Atty. Gilbert Andres responded directly to Duterte’s allegations that the tribunal had turned into a “puppet” for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
Rejecting these claims, Andres stressed that the ICC functions independently of local political disputes and remains focused on delivering justice and accountability.
“What VP Sara is doing is big time na gaslighting of the ICC and it shows that she does not respect institutions of accountability such as the ICC,” Andres said.
Andres emphasized that the tribunal is not meddling in domestic politics, but is strictly executing its mandate to investigate facts and uphold justice regarding the previous administration’s anti-drug war. He warned that public remarks undermining the ICC risk eroding trust in key institutions tasked with probing international crimes.
He delivered his statements after filing a motion to resolve at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of victims of alleged war crimes in Myanmar, whom he also represents.
The tribunal is continuing its probe into alleged crimes against humanity tied to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, even as the Philippine government reiterates its stance regarding the court’s jurisdiction.