Palace respects ICC ruling on crimes against humanity charges vs. former President Rodrigo Duterte

Malacañang on Friday issued a statement respecting the ruling of the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirming all charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro acknowledged the pursuit of justice for all parties involved in the case.

On April 23, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that Duterte operated a state killing machine where orders to “neutralize” criminals were interpreted as orders to kill.

This ruling commits Duterte to a full trial, marking the first time an Asian head of state will face trial at the court.

Castro noted that accountability and due process are essential for both the accused and the victims in the ICC case.

“We respect the ruling of ICC that confirms all charges of crimes against humanity against former President Duterte,” Castro said.

“Hustisya ang kailangang makuha sa mga kasong ito. Parehong partido ay makikinabang rito. Hustisya para sa akusado kung walang sala o hustisya rin sa mga biktima kung naabuso naman ang kanilang karapatan,” she added.

-Paraluman News