Duterte's camp aims for dual trial strategy

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing a trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), and his team is using a specific strategy. They plan to turn the trial into a dual process: one as a criminal trial in the ICC and the other as a political trial in the eyes of the public in the Philippines. During the initial hearing last Friday, Duterte's lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, criticized President Ferdinand Marcos and the ICC. He claimed there was a conspiracy involving the “kidnapping” of Duterte. Medialdea made harsh comments about the ICC, calling it a troubled institution. However, the ICC judges did not react strongly to his remarks. Instead, one judge reminded him that his requests for postponement had already been denied. It is clear that Medialdea's statements were aimed more at the Philippine public than at the judges. The Duterte camp is attempting to depict Duterte as a victim and create emotional support among the Filipino audience. They have goals, including stirring civil unrest, winning elections for Duterte allies in 2025, and positioning the Duterte family for a return to power in 2028. The ICC should be cautious of being drawn into a political drama. The prosecutor needs to challenge emotional arguments that are not based on law. Judges should maintain control of the courtroom and quickly dismiss irrelevant statements. As the trial continues, misinformation and harassment from Duterte's supporters are expected to rise. Families of victims of Duterte’s controversial drug war have reported threats and intimidation from these supporters. The political environment surrounding the trial is tense, with a growing number of online trolls spreading fake news to support Duterte.