Former President Rodrigo Duterte's camp asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I to disqualify three lawyers representing victims of the drug war case, citing a potential conflict of interest.

The 11-page petition, dated February 11, targets attorneys Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres, and Nicolene Arcaina, seeking to revoke their appointment and suspend their access to case records.

Duterte's team argued that Butuyan and Andres previously worked with Arcaina at CenterLaw Philippines, which they say could compromise impartiality. The defense also raised concerns over public comments by the lawyers that they claim were prejudicial to Duterte.

The filing says the victims’ interests could still be represented by the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV). Duterte’s lawyers emphasized that the three lawyers allegedly failed to disclose relevant facts and actively promoted Arcaina’s appointment, which the defense claims exceeds normal duties.

The ICC has been investigating Duterte’s drug war since 2019, focusing on alleged extrajudicial killings. Thousands of victims have sought legal representation to pursue justice. The petition reflects tensions between the defense and victims’ lawyers over procedural and evidentiary issues.

Legal experts say the disqualification request could affect the pace of ICC proceedings. If approved, alternate representatives may need to be appointed, potentially delaying hearings and impacting how evidence is presented. The case also raises questions about conflicts of interest and professional ethics in international law.

ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I has yet to rule on the petition. Its decision could set a precedent for handling challenges to the appointment of legal representatives in high-profile international cases.