Former President Rodrigo Duterte must face his cases before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This was stressed by ICC-accredited lawyer Atty. Joel Butuyan after the court granted a limited postponement of the confirmation of charges hearing, now set for September 23 (Tuesday).
Duterte’s camp argued that the former president would not be able to stand trial due to alleged “cognitive impairment” and memory issues.
“Parang dine-describe lang nila yung normal na 80 years old noh, kasi normal talaga sa matanda na declining talaga yung memory, saka declining din ‘yung executive, ‘yung physical functioning,” Butuyan said.
He added that this should not be used as a defense to avoid trial.
“Ang question is does it affect its fitness to face trial, alam ba niya ‘yung nangyayari sa trial at makakapagbigay ba siya ng testimonya,” he emphasized.
Butuyan further pointed out that Duterte’s defense should present stronger proof of his actual health condition, especially since statements from his family members appear inconsistent with the claims.
“Ilang beses nagpa-interview ‘yung mga anak niya, sinasabi nila na okay si Mr. Duterte, nagjo-joke pa nga sa kanila at pinag-uusapan nila yung past, present and future at sinasabi niya na walang siyang regret sa ginawa niya and he’s willing to face whatever the circumstances are,” Butuyan noted.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity over the bloody war on drugs waged during his administration.