Lawyer Makes Clarification on ICC Witnesses’ Expenses
ICC – An International Criminal Court assistance to counsel clarified that it will not be the Philippine government that will shoulder the expenses of the witnesses in the case of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is currently under the custody of the International Criminal Court. The former Philippine President was arrested in Manila last March 11 amid the reported warrant issued by the foreign court over an allegation of crime against humanity.
Duterte’s drug war remains controversial. There are thousands of deaths linked to the previous administration’s war on drugs campaign. Vice Pres. Sara Duterte has just returned to the Philippines from The Hague, Netherlands where her father is currently detained.
The International Criminal Court welcomed the arrest of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. However, on the part of the Duterte supporters, it sparked an outcry and a call on the government and the Supreme Court to order FPRRD’s return to the country.
On the other side, the families of the alleged victims of the war on drugs of the previous administration rejoiced over the recent turn of events that led to Duterte’s detention in the ICC. The confirmation of charges against the former Philippine President is scheduled on September 23.
Recently, ICC assistance to counsel Kristina Conti made a clarification with regards to who will shoulder the expenses of the witnesses on the case of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Based on a report on PhilStar, Conti clarified that it will be shouldered by the foreign court and not the Philippine government.
“Clarification regarding the participation of victims as witnesses in the ICC case against Duterte. The Philippine government will not be the one to spend for the witnesses, it will be the ICC using their own funds,” Conti said.
Based on the report, the ICC assistant to counsel stressed that the court is “very strict” when it comes to the eligibility criteria for the witnesses. According to Conti, it is even stricter when the witnesses are included in the witness protection program.
“They will not be considered as tourists given their schedule and movement limitations,” Conti said.
Back in the Philippines, presidential sister and Senator Imee Marcos has led a Senate investigation on the arrest of Duterte last March 11. Malacañang recently spoke anew on the Senate inquiry led by Sen. Imee Marcos over Duterte’s arrest.