Following the confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will resume assessing applications from victims seeking to participate in the proceedings. Applications within the case's scope will be forwarded to the soon-to-be-constituted Trial Chamber for Duterte's trial.
In Manila, Philippines, the ICC stated it will announce new deadlines for victim applications at the trial stage. "New deadlines for victim applications at the trial stage will be announced as applicable," the ICC said.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I previously authorized 539 victims to participate in proceedings, though participation does not mean they will testify as witnesses. Victims are classified as direct—those who personally suffered harm from the alleged crimes—or indirect, such as family members harmed by crimes against others.
Victims have rights to participate in proceedings, request reparations, receive identity protection, stay informed on developments, and select their lawyers. They may share views and concerns with judges through representatives, with judges ensuring this does not affect the suspect's right to a fair trial. Participating victims could be eligible for reparations if the accused is convicted.
Filipino lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres serve as common legal representatives for victims, alongside Paolina Massidda from the ICC’s Office of Public Counsel for Victims. Rise Up for Life and for Rights called on other families to join the proceedings. Amnesty International urged the ICC to protect victims' participation rights and witnesses, with director Ritz Lee Santos III stating, “For the survivors and victims’ families who have carried their grief in silence, today affirms that their voices have been heard and their persistence is not in vain.”
