Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte on Thursday criticized prosecutors from the International Criminal Court, disputing the credibility of a video presented during the confirmation of charges proceedings involving former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The lawmaker asserted that the footage cited by prosecutors had already been discredited by its original owner. He argued that the material was misrepresented to support the case filed before the tribunal.
“The video they relied on has already been publicly debunked by its own owner. It was taken out of context, distorted, and reinterpreted just so they could present something—anything—to the ICC. And when the truth came out Silence. No apology. No accountability. Is this justice—or trial by imagination?” Rep. Duterte said.
He went on to question the motives and competence of those handling the case.
“Frankly, I do not know whether the ICC prosecutors are simply incompetent—or deliberately pretending to be blind because they are being guided by handlers here in the Philippines who are just as desperate as they are,” he added.
The congressman also cast doubt on what he described as the underlying objective of the proceedings.
“Rep. Duterte also asked whether “they really after justice—or is this nothing more than a political demolition job?””
Beyond the dispute over the video, he brought up allegations circulating from individuals identified as former soldiers, who claimed that $2 million had allegedly been distributed to cover ICC-related expenses. He urged transparency regarding these assertions.
“Now we hear allegations from former soldiers claiming that 2 million US dollars were allegedly handed out for ICC “expenses”… If these accusations are false, then prove it. Open the records. Show transparency.
But if they are true, then the Filipino people have every right to ask why this so-called pursuit of justice appears to come with a very expensive price tag,” he said.
He further criticized what he described as a recurring pattern in the accusations tied to the case.
“The pattern is obvious. Suitcases allegedly filled with cash. Allegations without hard evidence. Videos twisted to fit a narrative. And political personalities with long-standing agendas resurfacing yet again… Justice requires facts—verifiable evidence, forensic proof, and proper documentation—not rumors repackaged as international law,” Rep. Duterte added.
Earlier, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC rejected claims of “collusion” and “conspiracy” raised by lawyer Levito Baligod and 18 individuals described as former Marines, denying any improper coordination between its officials and the Philippine government.
