A child rights advocate who attended the International Criminal Court's confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte said the prosecution's evidence presentation indicates the case could proceed to trial. Rowena Legaspi, executive director of the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center, noted videos, public announcements, and policies signed by Duterte as key materials.
The International Criminal Court's confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte took place in The Hague, a key pre-trial stage where judges assess if prosecutors have sufficient evidence for a full trial. Rowena Legaspi, executive director of the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center who attended the hearing, described the prosecution's presentation as strong and evidence-based. “I witnessed how well the prosecution presented its evidence, including all the videos, public announcements and policies signed by Duterte and the Philippine National Police chief,” she said in an interview with the World Organisation Against Torture, or OMCT. She added, “These are all evidence-based arguments, so I can see this case going to trial.” Prosecutors connected Duterte to killings linked to his administration's anti-drug campaign through official speeches, policies, and other records. Judges will decide within a few weeks if the evidence provides substantial grounds to believe the accused committed the alleged crimes. Legaspi called the hearing a significant moment for advocates documenting drug war killings, including children. “We are looking forward to the ICC case proceeding to trial, and that families of victims will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. Her organization has submitted reports to the ICC on children killed in anti-drug operations, noting most victims came from poor families.
