Hanoi (VNA) - The Philippine government on March 15 said it will not intervene in the legal defence mounted by supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte as he faces charges of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC set the confirmation of charges hearing on September 23 to allow Duterte and all involved parties to "adequately prepare" for the pre-trial, as well as to acknowledge his "right to be tried within a reasonable time."
"This is the time when he will really prepare his defence. Maybe if he has witnesses, he can call them, make any statements or affidavits," Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
She reiterated that the Philippine government had given Duterte the necessary assistance, including medical services and "care package," from the time he was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay city on March 11 morning until he is sent to The Hague, the Netherlands.
She said the government will not shoulder the travel expenses of the witnesses of the Duterte camp.
Castro pointed out that Duterte's camp is capable of sending their own team to The Hague, since some of his allies, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Senator Robin Padilla, went there using their own money.
She added the assistance that the Philippine embassy in the Netherlands may extend to Duterte would not be mandatory. Nevertheless, she said the government would continue monitoring the developments to keep the public updated.
Earlier, the Philippine Presidential Office announced that the country’s police had executed an arrest warrant for Duterte issued by the ICC over his controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency, which resulted in thousands of deaths./.
