MANILA, Philippines — The defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte is expected to present evidence intended to prove that allegations against his anti-drug campaign were "rhetorical, politically motivated or selectively quoted" and dispute the number of victims and the scope of evidence presented by the prosecution.
Lawyers for the victims Paolina Massida, Joel Butuyan, and Gilbert Andres said this would most likely be the presentation of the defense, led by Nicholas Kaufman, at the resumption of the confirmation of charges hearing by the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague later on Thursday (Philippine time).
“While the defense may dispute figures or interpretations, they do not need to prove their claims at this stage of the proceedings,” the lawyers said in an online press briefing.
The confirmation hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit Duterte to trial over alleged crimes committed during the Philippines’ “war on drugs.”
