The International Criminal Court (ICC) has unanimously denied former President Rodrigo Duterte’s attempt to disqualify two judges from handling his case involving alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Philippine drug war.
In a 13-page ruling dated July 3, all 18 ICC judges—each elected by the Assembly of States Parties—dismissed Duterte’s request as “incorrect and legally untenable,” warning it could only serve to stall proceedings. The ruling emphasized that Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin and Socorro Flores y Liera of Mexico acted entirely within their mandated judicial duties.
“The plenary of judges considers that the judges acted, at all times, in accordance with the judicial duties assigned to them under the Statute,” the decision stated.
Duterte’s plea stemmed from the judges’ earlier decision authorizing an investigation into the drug war killings. He argued that their involvement created a reasonable perception of bias. However, the court found no factual basis for his claims and reaffirmed the impartiality of the judges.
The ruling also clarified that the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member of the Rome Statute, including Duterte’s term as Davao City mayor up until the country’s withdrawal from the court in 2019.
Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc of Romania was not part of the disqualification bid, as she joined the chamber after the jurisdictional decision was made.
The court concluded that the request had no merit and risked obstructing the proceedings, reiterating that the investigation was authorized based on reasonable grounds and within the ICC’s legal framework.
