Duterte waives appearance but may be "expected" in the Sept 7 ICC status conference

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte submitted a waiver of personal appearance to attend yesterday's (June 23) status conference at the International Criminal Court (ICC) but he may be expected to appear during the September 7 schedule.

In the crimes against humanity case of Duterte, Trial Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner set the dates for the coming status conferences of July 14, September 7, October 13, and Nov 2.

She mentioned that they are expecting Duterte to be present on September 7 when the report of his medical condition is already finished.

"These are all dates that were put into the calendar, but if it turns out there's no need for anything to be discussed, then we may vacate them, but otherwise it's 7th of September, 13th of October, and then the 2nd of November. I'd rather feel the one on the 7th of September because by then we'll have had the reports is likely to be an important one, and for that, certainly, Mr. Haynes (defense counsel), we would expect Mr. Duterte to be here unless there's some medical issue," she said.

On June 19, the Defence notified the Trial Chamber that Duterte wished to waive his right to attend the second June 23 status conference.

Duterte also instructed his lawyers to deal with the procedural matters listed on the status conference agenda, as well as any other matters discussed during the hearing.

The Trial Judges granted the request on June 19 since the status conference, directing the Defence to place on record the waiver signed by Duterte.

"We've excused your client's attendance today, but as I think we made clear, it's only because it's a relatively short hearing," said Judge Korner, addressing defense Counsel Peter Haynes.

Haynes replied that his client would appear in court sooner.

"I was going to observe of course that the movement of a detainee from the detention unit to the court is an unsettling experience, even for the steadiest of clients, but he's fully aware that you will expect to see him sooner rather than later," the defense counsel said.

The defense was also represented by co-counsel Kate Gibson.

The office of the prosecutor was represented by
Julian Nichols and Edward Jeremy.

Paulina Massida represented the victims. Filipino lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres were not present.


Photos: Courtesy ICC-CPI