ICC Prosecution Seeks Admission of Prior Witness Testimony in Duterte Case

The Prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked the Chamber to admit into evidence the previously recorded testimony of a witness in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte. In a document dated September 7, the Prosecution requested permission to introduce the prior recorded testimony of witness P-1100 under Rule 68(3) of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The prosecution also requested to conduct a focused supplementary examination of the witness once he appears in court. “Granting the request will enhance the expeditiousness of the proceedings by reducing the length of the witness’s direct examination from seven hours to two hours, thus saving at least five hours of court time,” the Prosecution said. For the Prosecution, the said testimony is relevant to its allegations involving a policy to “neutralise” alleged criminals in the Philippines through violent crimes, including murder. The testimony also provides evidence on the alleged modus operandi of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), as well as Duterte's alleged individual criminal responsibility, including his knowledge and intent, according to the Prosecution. The trial is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026. Last April, the ICC confirmed the charges of crimes against humanity against former Duterte in connection with the killings during his war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and when he was president. —KG, GMA News