A lawyer for the victims of the drug war criticized the legal counsel of former president Rodrigo Duterte for allegedly employing delaying tactics by seeking the removal of the two of the three judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) handling his case.
At A Glance
- The delaying tactics, according to lawyer Kristina Conti, include attempt to remove two of the three ICC judges

Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC)
Fortunately lawyer Kristina Conti said such move was rejected by the ICC, which means the continuity of the legal proceedings as scheduled, including the confirmation of the case of crimes against humanity in September this year.
“We think it is just one part of the arsenal of the Duterte camp to in one way to stretch out, and on one hand to really question everything that goes their way,” said Conti in a television interview.
Conti did not elaborate as to the reason behind the delaying tactic but some experts connect it to the midterm elections and impeachment of his daughter Vice President Sara Durterte.
She also branded as laughable the strategy of the defense since lawyers of Duterte are also raising the issue of jurisdiction of the ICC on the drug war when it was clear that the ICC has jurisdiction since those investigated happened when the Philippines is still a member.
Duterte was investigated for crimes against humanity over deaths of an estimated 30,000 people, including those who died in questionable police operations.
The ICC investigation covers the period from November 1, 2011, when Duterte was Davao City Mayor, to March 16, 2019, during his presidency.
Duterte was arrested on March 11 and was immediately transported to the Hague, Netherlands.