Manila: The International Criminal Court's (ICC) plenary of judges has unanimously rejected a motion filed by former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte seeking the disqualification of Judges Reine Ad©lade Sophia Alapini-Gansou and Mara del Socorro Flores Liera from ruling on the challenge to the court's jurisdiction over his case.
According to Philippines News Agency, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane confirmed that the plenary of judges convened on June 9 to deliberate on Duterte's request. The judges decided unanimously to reject the application, with a detailed decision to be released subsequently. Duterte's defense team argued for the disqualification of the judges based on their alleged prior involvement in significant legal questions pertaining to the case.
Duterte's defense, led by lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, emphasized the contentious nature of the jurisdictional issue, stating that a decision in favor of the defense could have significant implications for the future of the situation. The request highlighted the perceived partiality of the judges due to their previous decisions related to the case.
The judges in question, Alapini-Gansou and Liera, alongside presiding judge of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, Iulia Antoanella Motoc, were responsible for signing the arrest warrant against Duterte. The former president, currently in ICC custody, is scheduled to appear at a confirmation of charges hearing set for September 23.
