Manila, Philippines — On Wednesday, May 27, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set for the first status conference in connection to his trial before the International Criminal Court for the confirmed 3 counts of crimes against humanity case against him.
The first statues conference is the procedural hearing conducted by the Trial Chamber to establish the foundation of the criminal trial, including the setting of the trial date.
Through his new lead counsels, Duterte requested to waive his right to attend the status conference.
This request was granted by the Trial Chamber, ordering the defense to submit the signed waiver of the accused.
In relation to the conference, the Chamber denied the request of one of the Legal Representatives of the Victims to attend the conference remotely.
Among the agendas of the conference are the date of the trial and deadlines ahead of this matter, the anticipated evidence, language to be used by the parties, motions, and other protocols.
On the other hand, the Trial Chamber III likewise issued its decision in regards to its review of his detention, set every 120 days.
In a May 22 decision, the Trial Chamber cited the findings of the PRe-Trial and Appeals Chamber that Duterte is a flight risk and may abscond if he is released from detention.
The Chamber noted that the recent confirmation of the charges against Duterte increased the risk of Duterte absconding the court’s orders once he is out of detention.
In their observation, the Defense reiterated the health condition and capacity of Duterte, citing that he experienced falls while in detention, aside from his deteriorating mental condition.
However, the Chamber emphasized that Duterte was examined by medical experts, and no information from these reports support the argument to grant him release.
The Chamber added that when Duterte waived from attending the confirmation hearing, he reiterated his stance that he does not recognize ICC’s jurisdiction.
It emphasized that this signifies that Duterte will not be following the orders and conditions set by the court if he is granted conditional release.
Despite the arguments in his health condition, the Trial Chamber believes that Duterte is high risk of evading the Court or obstructing justice.
With this, the Chamber decided to keep Duterte in detention.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News