Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday said he was not surprised by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to reject the appeal filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s camp questioning the court’s jurisdiction over alleged crimes against humanity.
“Hindi naman tayo nagugulat sa desisyon na ‘yan kasi pang-apat na beses na nilang chinallenge ‘yung jurisdiction pero ngayon po natuldukan na ‘yan,” Trillanes said during an exclusive interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
Trillanes added that the defense can no longer question the ICC’s authority, describing the ruling as a positive development. He also said that a decision on the confirmation of charges is expected in the coming days.
“Hindi na nila ulit pwede pang kwentiyunin yung jurisdiction. Magandang development yan, within the coming days po ay lalabas na rin ang desisyon ng ICC tungkol sa confirmation of charges,“ he said.
According to him, the upcoming ruling will determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with the case against Duterte. The decision is anticipated to be released as early as next week.
“Kapag ito ay na-confirm ay didiretso na po ito sa trial sa September or October,” Trillanes said.
For the third and final time, the ICC affirmed its jurisdiction over Duterte’s case despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute. The ICC Appeals Chamber dismissed Duterte’s appeal on Wednesday, April 22, upholding an earlier ruling by Pre-Trial Chamber I.
The decision allows proceedings to continue, including the awaited determination on whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to move the case to trial.
The Appeals Chamber clarified that its ruling does not address Duterte’s guilt or innocence but resolves a key procedural issue regarding the court’s authority over allegations tied to killings associated with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Trillanes also revealed that several witnesses are already available to testify. Some have been relocated abroad, while others remain in the country. He added that certain testimonies, particularly from less critical witnesses, may be conducted online.
"Marami pong witnesses na nandodoon na, marami pa pong witnesses na nilalabas ng bansa. At mayroon din pong mga witnesses na dito na lang, mangyari online testimony yung mga hindi [gaanong] critical witnesses," he said.
Duterte is currently detained in The Hague by the ICC following his arrest in March 2025. He is facing charges of crimes against humanity related to thousands of deaths during his "war on drugs" campaign.
