The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) has expressed disappointment over the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to postpone the Confirmation of Charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte, originally scheduled for Sept. 23.

The deferral came after Duterte’s legal team sought a postponement, citing that the former president is “not fit to stand trial.” 

Per AHRC, the delay undermines the victims’ long-standing demand for accountability in the bloody “war on drugs” of the Duterte Administration.

“Ang bawat pagpapaliban ay katumbas ng muling pagkaantala ng hustisyang matagal nang inaasam ng mga biktima (Every postponement is another delay in the long-awaited justice for the victims),” AHRC said in a statement.

It pointed to the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, which obligates states and institutions to uphold victims’ rights to justice without unnecessary delay. 

AHRC underscored that the principle of expeditious proceedings applies not just to Duterte, but also, more urgently, to the families who lost loved ones in the killings.

“Ang mga pamilyang naulila na hanggang ngayon ay dumaranas ng pangamba at kawalan ng hustisya ay hindi dapat muling gawing biktima ng pagkaantala (Families left behind, who continue to live in fear and without justice, should not be victimized again by delays),” it stressed.

Also, the AHRC cited the dissenting opinion of Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera, who argued that questions on Duterte’s “fitness” should be tackled by the Trial Chamber, not the Pre-Trial Chamber.

“Ang pangunahing layunin ng Confirmation of Charges ay tukuyin kung itutuloy ang paglilitis, ipagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon, o tuluyang ibabasura ang kaso (The main purpose of the Confirmation of Charges is to determine if trial should proceed, if the investigation continues, or if the case should be dismissed),” AHRC stated.

For the human rights institution, the ICC must move decisively to ensure fairness on both sides, while prioritizing victims’ access to justice.

“Hinihikayat ng AHRC ang ICC na agad resolbahin ang mga nakabinbing isyu, magtakda ng petsa sa lalong madaling panahon, at tiyakin na ang proseso ay pantay at makatarungan—para sa mga biktima (We urge the ICC to resolve pending issues quickly, set a date at the soonest possible time, and ensure a fair and just process—for the victims),” the statement read.

The AHRC urged the court to appoint a permanent legal representative for the victims, calling it a vital safeguard against further marginalization.

“Ang mabilis na pagtugon ng korte ay hindi lamang pagsunod sa alituntunin. Ito ay garantiya na ang tunay na hustisya ay hindi nagsasantabi; bagkus ay kumikilala at nagpapahalaga sa karapatan at tinig ng mga biktima (Swift action from the court is not just compliance with rules. It is a guarantee that true justice does not sideline, but acknowledges and values the rights and voices of victims),” AHRC said.