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Manila, Philippines – In a resounding blow to former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal maneuvers, all 18 elected judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have unanimously rejected his plea to disqualify two judges presiding over his case. The ICC's decision, delivered with a firm declaration that Duterte’s request was “wrong, untenable, and dilatory,” marks a significant setback for the former leader who has consistently sought to evade scrutiny from the international court.

Duterte had filed the plea arguing that Judges Tomoko Akane and Raul Pangalangan were biased against him due to alleged conflicts of interest. He claimed their prior involvement in Philippine legal matters prevented them from impartially assessing the evidence against him concerning his administration's “war on drugs.” However, the ICC judges dismissed these arguments, asserting that they lacked merit and were intended to unnecessarily delay the proceedings.

This rejection underscores the ICC's determination to proceed with its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte's presidency. The investigation focuses on the thousands of deaths that occurred during the government's aggressive anti-drug campaign, a period marked by widespread extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses.

Why This Matters: The ICC's decision has far-reaching implications for accountability and the rule of law in the Philippines. It reaffirms the court’s jurisdiction to investigate alleged crimes committed within the country, despite Duterte's repeated declarations of defiance and his government's withdrawal from the ICC in 2019.

Legal Experts Weigh In: Legal analysts have described the ICC's ruling as a clear signal that the court will not be deterred by attempts to obstruct its work. They emphasize that the unanimous rejection of Duterte’s plea demonstrates the judges' commitment to upholding their independence and ensuring a fair and impartial trial. “This is a decisive victory for the ICC and for those seeking justice for the victims of the ‘war on drugs’,” stated Professor Amelia Reyes, a human rights lawyer at the University of the Philippines. “It reinforces the principle that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.”

What’s Next? With this hurdle cleared, the ICC investigation is expected to move forward with renewed momentum. Prosecutors will continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, ultimately determining whether there is sufficient basis to formally charge Duterte with crimes against humanity. The case promises to be a protracted and complex legal battle, but the ICC's latest decision has firmly established the path forward.

The Philippine government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the ICC's ruling. However, sources within the administration indicated that they are reviewing the decision and considering their options. This development is being closely watched by human rights organizations, international observers, and the families of victims who continue to seek justice for their loved ones.