ICC victims’ lawyers back admission of three witness testimonies in Duterte trial

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 28, 2026

Photo courtesy: Reuters

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyers representing victims of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs have backed prosecutors’ request to admit three previously recorded witness testimonies as evidence in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s upcoming trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a filing dated October 27, the Common Legal Representatives of Victims (CLRV) urged ICC Trial Chamber III to approve the request, arguing that the testimonies could help establish the circumstances surrounding alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

The statements concern alleged killings in Central Luzon and are relevant to Count 3 of the crimes against humanity charges against Duterte.

According to the victims’ lawyers, the testimonies do not appear to directly concern Duterte’s individual actions. Instead, they provide supporting information about the broader circumstances in which the alleged crimes occurred.

The lawyers said the statements could also strengthen other witness accounts already gathered during the investigation.

The testimonies were voluntarily recorded during the prosecution’s investigation in the Philippines, which the legal representatives cited as an indication of their reliability.

They argued that admitting the statements would help make the trial more efficient while protecting the victims’ right to fair and timely proceedings.

The request would also reduce the need to repeat testimony already documented during the investigation, potentially saving the court time and resources.

The filing was signed by lawyers Gilbert Andres, Joel Butuyan, and Paolina Massida.

The victims’ position supports an earlier prosecution request to introduce the recorded statements and related documents into evidence.

However, the court has yet to determine whether the materials will be admitted. The judges retain authority to assess their relevance, reliability, and consistency with Duterte’s right to a fair trial.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity involving alleged murders and attempted murders connected to the government’s anti-drug campaign.

The charges cover alleged crimes committed during his presidency and his earlier tenure as mayor of Davao City.

He was arrested in the Philippines in March 2025 and subsequently transferred to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, where he remains in detention.

In April 2026, the ICC confirmed the charges against Duterte and ordered the case to proceed to trial.

The court also ruled that the former president was fit to stand trial, finding that he could effectively exercise his legal rights and participate in the proceedings.

The trial is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026, before Trial Chamber III.

As preparations continue, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and legal representatives of victims are addressing which evidence may be presented during the proceedings.

The latest filing adds to those preparations, with victims’ lawyers seeking to ensure that the recorded testimonies are considered as the court examines the allegations against Duterte.