ICC can freeze Duterte's assets during ongoing trial

The International Criminal Court (ICC) can freeze the assets of former President Rodrigo Duterte during his ongoing trial. This decision is part of efforts to ensure that there are resources available to compensate victims of his controversial drug war. The ICC's Office of the Prosecutor will start collecting financial information about Duterte as the hearings begin. If a warrant for his arrest or a summons is issued, they can request to identify, trace, or freeze his property and assets. The recovery of these assets can be complex. If they are located in the Philippines, cooperation from local authorities will be necessary. If they are in a country not part of the Rome Statute, those nations are not obligated to help. The Philippine government claims it can enforce any freeze order from the ICC. A communications officer stated that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) will act on any such order. However, some legal experts, like Salvador Panelo, argue there is little to freeze since Duterte is reportedly not wealthy. Panelo stated that Duterte is "dirt poor," suggesting there would be no assets to seize. The ICC also mentioned it could use its trust fund to support victims of the alleged crimes.