THE HAGUE — Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have formally requested Trial Chamber III to incorporate pre-recorded testimonies from five witnesses as official evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte, aiming to fast-track the proceedings and streamline direct examinations.
In a 12-page legal submission dated October 16, invocation was made under Rule 68(3) of the tribunal’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence to accept written statements and accompanying files from witnesses designated as P-1087, P-1151, P-1158, P-1161, and P-1204.
“Granting the request will enhance the expeditiousness of the proceedings,” the prosecution stated, noting that the measure would preserve valuable court time by cutting down direct examination lengths, though specific time figures were withheld in the filing.
According to the office of the prosecutor, the previously documented testimonies carry strong relevance, reliability, and probative weight. They directly correspond to allegations regarding a systematic state policy to eliminate suspected criminals in the Philippines through violent acts, such as murder.
Additional unique evidentiary value was also noted for witness P-1151, although specific details remain confidential.
The prosecution emphasized that integrating these earlier accounts would not infringe upon Duterte’s legal rights, pointing out that all five individuals will remain accessible for cross-examination by the defense.
Furthermore, the chamber, participating parties, and the Common Legal Representatives of Victims retain the prerogative to question the witnesses further. While noting that Rule 68(3) does not mandate a separate threshold for reliability indicators, the prosecution asserted that such benchmarks still serve to evaluate the overall weight of the evidence.
The request is currently pending review and final resolution by Trial Chamber III.