International Criminal Court officials on Thursday addressed allegations that private individuals financed the work of its investigators, emphasizing that all prosecutorial activities are paid for through the tribunal’s formally approved budget.
In a GMA Integrated News report, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) said its operations are supported by allocations sanctioned by the Assembly of States Parties and monitored under existing financial controls. The office stressed that spending for investigations and prosecutions, including travel and field missions, is drawn exclusively from these authorized funds and administered under established financial regulations.
The clarification followed accusations aired by a group of 18 individuals introduced as former Marines, represented by lawyer Levito “Levy” Baligod. They alleged that former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV shouldered hotel expenses for ICC investigators, raising insinuations of impropriety in the ongoing probe.
Baligod further claimed that ICC personnel failed to conduct what he described as a legitimate investigation in the Philippines, asserting that interviews were limited to witnesses endorsed by Trillanes, a vocal critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte. He also alleged that $2 million in cash changed hands in December 2023.
Trillanes has rejected the accusations and said he intends to pursue legal action against Baligod and others over what he described as false claims.
The ICC is examining allegations linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, with proceedings underway concerning crimes against humanity tied to killings during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.
Addressing concerns about how evidence is handled, the prosecutor’s office said it independently gathers information, selects interviewees, and evaluates the credibility and relevance of all materials it receives. It added that both incriminating and exonerating evidence are assessed without bias.
The office also underscored that the release of information in cases before the court is governed by the ICC’s legal framework and remains under the authority of its judges. It said operational details, including the identities of staff, witnesses, and partner institutions, are kept confidential to safeguard investigations and ensure the protection of those involved.
