ICC chamber seeks counsel, prosecution 'observations' in Duterte's jurisdiction appeal

THE Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has ordered the prosecution and counsel for victims to file “additional observations” on the appeal of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte challenging the court’s jurisdiction over his crimes against humanity.

- Erika Mae P. Sinaking

In an order dated Dec. 16, the Appeals Chamber invited the Deputy Prosecutor and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) to submit the observations by Jan. 16, 2026, with the defense allowed to respond by Jan. 23, 2026.

The chamber explained that the additional briefing is needed “for the proper disposal of the Appeal” and that the parties should address issues “which have not been fully developed in the Impugned Decision and in the submissions presented before the Appeals Chamber thus far.”

The ruling was issued by a fivejudge panel presided over and signed by Judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza.