The defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has appealed the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I denying their bid to revoke the appointment of common legal representatives for victims in his crimes against humanity case.
In a seven-page filing dated February 20, Duterte’s lawyers argued that the ruling “effectively sanctioned a structural imbalance inconsistent with Article 12 of the Code, the supervisory obligations under Article 7(4), and the fundamental requirement that proceedings be – and appear to be – fair,” according to defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman.
The defense pointed to alleged professional links between human rights lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres — appointed as common legal representatives of victims — and case manager Nicolene Arcaina.
They sought the disqualification of the three, saying it was necessary to “restore confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the proceedings.”
The appeal also argued that the late appointment of the victims’ representatives restricted the defense’s ability to fully pursue available remedies.
However, in a nine-page redacted ruling, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I dismissed the claims, finding no conflict of interest.
Duterte remains detained at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague.
His confirmation of charges hearing, tied to alleged killings during his administration’s anti-drug campaign, is scheduled to begin on February 23 before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I.