Victims of the anti-drug campaign have called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) not to grant former president Rodrigo Duterte's request to postpone the decision on the issue of jurisdiction in his case.
In a motion on July 24, the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) said Duterte's appeal was baseless and contrary to the interests of the victims. They also criticized Duterte's defense for allegedly speculation and mentioning matters that were not relevant to the ICC case.
The ICC noted that an arrest warrant has been issued against Duterte in connection with crimes against humanity in his war on drugs. According to the OPCV, a quick decision is important because victims have the right to legal certainty.
The OPCV added that delaying the decision would not serve the interests of justice and would only waste time and resources. The issue of jurisdiction is not only about Duterte but also about other possible cases in the Philippines.
Duterte is facing charges related to the alleged killings by the Davao Death Squad and police operations from November 2011 to March 2019. The ICC is expected to decide on the confirmation of the charges on September 23.
