'Give Rody copy of evidence for ICC trial'

The prosecution should provide the camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte a copy of all the evidence against him, in preparation for his trial, one of the five Filipino lawyers accredited by the International Criminal Court (ICC) said yesterday.

- By BELLA CARIASO

"The most important things to happen between now and September is the disclosure of the prosecutor to the former president ... the evidence to be used (by the prosecution) during the trial... the evidence will be given in advance so that the defense can prepare. That's the privilege given by the ICC," Joel Butuyan said in an interview with dzBB.

The ICC scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte on Sept. 23.

"The prosecution has the obligation to share with the former president any evidence that can help in his defense. That's the difference between the ICC and the Philippines," he noted.

Butuyan said Duterte's camp can question the issuance of the arrest warrant against him, as well as the jurisdiction of the ICC.

"If the camp of former president Duterte will file motions, the ICC will give the prosecution sufficient time to answer. The pre-trial chamber will issue a ruling," he said.