MANILA – Former President Rodrigo Duterte has urged his supporters to avoid making comments regarding his “crimes against humanity” case, as such remarks could potentially influence the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision on the matter.
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio conveyed that while her father values the backing from his supporters, he has communicated the importance of not engaging in discussions about the case.
“Sabi niya huwag natin pag-usapan ang kaso at huwag natin pag-usapan kung ano yung nangyayari sa kaso. Lalong-lalo na pagdating sa mga complainants o reklamo na nadyan sa loob sa International Criminal Court,” Duterte-Carpio said.
Duterte’s statement follows a warning from ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti, who indicated that any bullying or harassment of ICC judges by the former President’s supporters on social media could impact the judges’ ruling.
Conti further noted that the ICC might perceive political instability in the Philippines stemming from Duterte’s arrest, which could lead the judges to maintain a strict stance regarding his detention at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague, Netherlands.
The former President is scheduled to appear before the ICC on September 23 for a hearing to confirm charges, during which 43 cases of extrajudicial killings will be referenced in his crimes against humanity case.
In addition, Duterte-Carpio mentioned that her father has called on Filipinos to support the senatorial candidates of PDP-Laban, which includes incumbent senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa./PN
