THE International Criminal Court (ICC) plenary of judges has unanimously rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s request to disqualify two judges from ruling on the challenge to the court’s jurisdiction over his case.
ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane announced that the plenary convened on June 9 to deliberate on Duterte’s application.
“The plenary of judges, acting unanimously, decided to reject the Application. A fully reasoned decision of the plenary will follow,” Akane stated.
Duterte’s legal team had sought the disqualification of Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophia Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera, arguing that both had prior involvement in a central legal issue—the question of the ICC’s jurisdiction over the case.
“The question of jurisdiction and the exercise thereof is a contentious—if not the most contentious—issue in the case,” said Duterte’s lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, in a filing submitted in May.
“Deciding this matter in favor of the Defense will have far-reaching consequences on the future of the Situation,” he added.
Judges Alapini-Gansou, Liera, and Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc had previously signed the arrest warrant against Duterte, which served as the basis for the defense’s motion.
Duterte, who is currently in the ICC’s custody, is scheduled to appear for the confirmation of charges hearing on September 23. (PNA)
