Rights advocates welcome Duterte appearance at ICC, say victims shouldn't have to wait 'indefinitely'

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THE HAGUE — Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s second physical appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) reinforced victims’ rights advocates’ call for him to stand trial, according to Duterte Panagutin Network Europe, whose representatives attended the court’s fourth status conference on Tuesday.

Patricia Enriquez of Duterte Panagutin Network Europe said Duterte’s attendance, alongside the preparation demonstrated by the prosecution and victims’ representatives, was a positive sign as the case moved forward.

“We can see that he is ready to stand trial, which is what we want,” Enriquez said in an interview after the hearing.

She said the prosecution and victims’ representatives appeared organized and prepared with their evidence and documents, adding that cooperation between the prosecution and defense on evidentiary matters was also an important aspect of the proceedings.

“It is very important for people to see that the prosecution and victims’ representatives are ready with their evidence and documents. They are procedurally organized and prepared, and they are also working collaboratively,” she said.

Enriquez said the network and its Dutch counterpart were preparing a campaign week beginning November 27 to welcome supporters traveling from the Philippines and organize activities promoting awareness and support for justice.

Victims’ families in the Philippines were also coming together to empower one another, she added.
“Masaya kami na tumutuloy na ang kaso,” Enriquez added.

(We are happy that the trial is proceeding.)

In a statement, the network reiterated that victims and their families should not have to wait indefinitely for justice, criticizing what it described as repeated procedural challenges by Duterte’s defense that threatened to delay proceedings.

“The victims’ families cannot be made to wait indefinitely while the Defense wages procedural battles to delay the proceedings,” the statement said, calling for the case to move forward and for the timely administration of justice to be upheld. — BM, GMA News