Duterte defense challenges ICC's addition of eight new alleged crimes

Representatives of former President Rodrigo Duterte have filed a request with the International Criminal Court’s Trial Chamber III to assess the admissibility of eight additional incidents listed by the Office of the Prosecutor in its latest trial brief. Counsel Peter Haynes argues the prosecutor added incidents 50 through 57 without prior judicial authorization, citing that the evidence originates from a single political opponent, Senator Antonio Trillanes, and includes questionable internal Philippine National Police documents lacking signatures or certification.

The defense highlights that the new incidents, some occurring in the National Capital Region and Region IV-A in 2016, were disclosed only weeks before the trial set to begin on November 30, and they contend the additions introduce fresh material facts rather than merely specifying existing charges. They also reference ICC precedent that permits adding victims but not new incidents without explicit approval. No response from the prosecutor has been published, and the chamber’s status conference is scheduled for today.