Former ICC Judge Declares Prosecution Evidence Sufficient for Duterte Conviction
In a significant development, former International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Raul Pangalangan has stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution is adequate to convict former President Rodrigo Duterte. Pangalangan, who also served as dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, emphasized the robustness of the evidence showcased during the first day of the hearing.
Strong Evidence Presented in Initial Proceedings
According to Pangalangan, the prosecution meticulously outlined specific details of the cases against Duterte, including video clips featuring controversial statements made by the ex-president. He noted that instead of merely presenting witnesses to demonstrate the merit of their case, prosecutors delved into granular aspects, which he believes are convincing enough for the ICC judges.
Pangalangan highlighted that the evidence includes admissions by Duterte regarding certain killings and other controversial orders issued during the height of the illegal drugs campaign. He suggested that the prosecution might be preparing and accumulating their strongest evidence for the trial proper, should the case advance from the confirmation stage.
Prosecution's Confidence in Conviction
Senior trial lawyer Julian Nicholls of the Office of the Prosecutor echoed this confidence during the hearing, asserting that the prosecution holds solid evidence capable of convicting Duterte. Nicholls expressed that if the judges decide to proceed to a full trial, the panel is well-equipped to secure a conviction based on the presented materials.
This assessment by Pangalangan adds weight to the ongoing ICC proceedings, underscoring the potential legal challenges facing the former Philippine leader as the case continues to unfold.
