THE HAGUE, Netherlands– Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed a British lawyer to act as his lead counsel in upcoming proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Confirmation of the appointment came from the current Vice President Sara Duterte, who is also the daughter of the former president.
Duterte participated in his first appearance at the ICC, held in The Hague, Netherlands.
He joined the session through a video link, marking his initial acknowledgment of the ICC’s process.
His decision to appoint a British lawyer as lead counsel suggests a strategic approach to his defense, potentially seeking international expertise in navigating complex legal challenges at the ICC.
The ICC proceedings are expected to scrutinize the legality and human rights implications of Duterte’s policies during his administration.
Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, known locally as “Oplan Tokhang,” became a hallmark of his administration.
While it was popular among some sectors in the Philippines for its strong stance against drugs, it was also heavily criticized for its methods.
Reports and investigations from both domestic and international bodies have highlighted numerous instances of alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICC has maintained that it retains jurisdiction over actions that occurred while the Philippines was a member.
