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Ombudsman Grants Response Extension to DOJ Officials on Duterte ICC Case

Ombudsman Grants Response Extension to DOJ Officials on Duterte ICC Case

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.com  

June 20, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – As former President Rodrigo Duterte faces mounting pressure from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, the Office of the Ombudsman has granted justice officials an extension to respond to a complaint filed by Sen. Imee Marcos.

The complaint stems from Duterte’s recent arrest, further escalating the already complex legal landscape.

Marcos accused Undersecretary Nicholas Ty and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony of arbitrary detention, usurpation of authority, graft, perjury, and grave misconduct.

The Ombudsman granted a 15-day extension, until June 27, for them to submit their counter-affidavits.

The Ombudsman’s order, dated June 18, also allows the senator 10 days thereafter to file a consolidated reply.

The complaint arises from the execution of an ICC arrest warrant upon Duterte’s return from Hong Kong on March 11, 2025.

Marcos alleged that Ty and Fadullon were instrumental in Duterte’s apprehension, linking it to the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during his presidency’s bloody drug war.

Duterte, currently detained in The Hague for 100 days, faces potential charges related to the estimated 30,000 fatalities linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The next hearing in his case is set for September 23.

ICC’s Growing Reach

The ICC, established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression when member states are unable or unwilling to do so, has become an increasingly prominent force in international justice.

With 125 member states and a 2025 budget of approximately €195 million ($202 million), the court is actively investigating cases in regions including the Palestinian territories, Ukraine, and several African nations, in addition to the Philippines and Venezuela.

The ICC’s website indicates 31 active arrest warrants as part of 60 warrants issued since its inception.

While 21 individuals have been detained or appeared before the court, seven have died, and 30 remain fugitives.

Precedent, Political Implications

The ICC has publicly indicted 68 individuals, with ongoing proceedings against 34 government officials.

Notably, the court has issued arrest warrants for other prominent figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Netanyahu faces charges of murder, persecution, and using starvation as a weapon in the Gaza conflict, while Putin’s indictment remains pending.

The political support enjoyed by both leaders in their respective countries highlights the challenges the ICC faces in enforcing its warrants.

On the other hand, the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation into Marcos’ complaint, coupled with the ongoing ICC proceedings, could have significant implications for the legal future of the former president and the broader landscape of international law and accountability for human rights violations.

The case is being closely watched by legal experts and human rights advocates worldwide.

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