MANILA, Philippines – Tinutulan ng International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution ang kahilingan ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na hindi na dumalo sa kanyang confirmation hearing, na nagsasabing walang sapat na dahilan upang hindi siya personal na humarap sa korte.
Sa anim na pahinang filing na may petsang Pebrero 19, sinabi ni Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang na nabigo si Duterte na magbigay ng compelling reason upang ma-waive ang kanyang pagdalo sa pagdinig.
“Mr. Duterte primarily seeks to waive his right to appear on the basis that he does not ‘recognize the jurisdiction’ of the Court, states that he was ‘kidnapped’, and claims that the charges against him constitute ‘an outrageous lie’ invented by his political opponents. These statements are a continuation of Mr. Duterte’s rejection of the legitimacy of the proceedings against him before the Court,” ayon sa filing.
“His refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the proceedings does not constitute cause to hold the confirmation hearing in his absence,” dagdag nito.
Sinabi rin ni Niang na kinumpirma ng korte na physically at mentally fit si Duterte upang dumalo sa pagdinig.
“To this end, the Chamber has concluded that he is both physically and mentally fit to participate in the confirmation proceedings, and has put measures in place to ensure his comfort throughout the hearing,” ayon sa prosecution.
Binasura rin ng prosecution ang pahayag ni Duterte na siya ay “old, tired, and frail,” at iginiit na batay sa medical evidence at expert opinion, kaya niyang dumalo sa confirmation hearing. RNT
