Atty. Kristina Conti, ICC Assistant To Counsel, Speaks on Case of Former Pres. Duterte
ICC – Lawyer Kristina Conti clarified that the International Criminal Court and not the PH government will fund the expenses of the witnesses against former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The unexpected turn of events last March 11 has divided the Filipino populace and caused political turmoil in the Philippines. There are those who support the arrest of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte while there are those who are against it.
Duterte is faced with an allegation of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court. The ICC welcomed the arrest of former Pres. Duterte who is currently detained in the foreign court’s detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands.
Last March 15, the former Philippine President appeared remotely before the pre-trial chamber of the foreign court for his initial appearance. His identity was confirmed and he was represented by his former executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea.
Duterte was released from the hospital wing of the Hague Penitentiary Institution. He is now under a regular detention and the confirmation of the charges against him is set on September 23.
Recently, an ICC assistant to counsel, lawyer Kristina Conti, spoke on the witnesses of the case against former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Based on a report on PhilStar, Conti clarified that the expenses of the witnesses will be shouldered by the foreign court and not the Philippine government.
“Clarification regarding the participation of victims as witnesses in the ICC case against Duterte. The Philippine government will not be the one to spend for the witnesses, it will be the ICC using their own funds,” Conti said.
The ICC Assistant to Counsel also stressed that the court is strict when it comes to the qualifications of the witnesses and even stricter if the witnesses are included in the witness protection program.
Based on the report, the lawyer stressed that the witnesses will not be considered as tourists in The Hague given their schedules. There will also be regulations regarding their movements.
Back in the Philippines, the Senate panel continues its investigation on the arrest of Duterte. Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero confirmed that the cabinet officials will attend the probe led by Sen. Imee Marcos over Duterte’s arrest.