The defense team of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to remove two proposed prosecution witnesses from the case involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, arguing that their testimonies have little evidentiary value.

In a six-page filing dated Nov. 9, Duterte’s defense challenged the prosecution’s request to use the previously recorded testimonies of two witnesses identified as P-1334 and P-1348.

The defense argued that both witnesses had limited or no direct knowledge of the alleged crimes during the period covered by the charges, making their testimonies largely based on rumors, hearsay, media reports and speculation.

The filing said P-1334 had no personal knowledge of how Duterte allegedly communicated instructions through Dela Rosa to police leadership. The witness also reportedly acknowledged that her account was based on stories she had heard rather than firsthand observations.

The defense raised similar objections against P-1348, saying the witness could not provide firsthand information about alleged killing quotas, financial rewards for drug war killings or the existence of target lists of suspected drug personalities.

It also argued that P-1348 relied on news reports, social media and information from other people to support her claims, including those involving the police's nanlaban narrative.

The prosecution had sought to introduce the witnesses' previously recorded testimonies to support its claims about an alleged policy of neutralizing people suspected of involvement in criminal activities.

The defense said it would not cross-examine the two witnesses because their testimonies were of marginal value. However, it asked the chamber not to rely on portions directly concerning Duterte's alleged acts and conduct if their statements are admitted.

The filing followed the chamber's directive for prosecutors to streamline their witness list.

The ICC has yet to rule on the defense's request.