Duterte’s Past Statements Take Center Stage at ICC Hearing

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court shifted focus to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s own public statements on Day 1 of the confirmation of charges hearing, presenting video clips and interviews in an effort to link his rhetoric to alleged patterns of violence during his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president.

Senior Trial Lawyer Julian Nicholls argued that Duterte’s long-standing “tough guy” image reinforced what the prosecution described as a system of command responsibility tied to the killings.

"Not only did Mr. Duterte clearly intend his criminality, he openly bragged about it. Right up until his arrest, he bragged about it. He thrives on a tough guy persona or image that he's tried to create for himself," Nicholls said.

During a Dec. 8, 2015 ambush interview, Duterte was asked about a human rights report alleging he had ordered the killing of 700 individuals in Davao City. At the time, Duterte responded that the figure had been “undercounted,” claiming the actual number was closer to 1,700.

Nicholls told the court that Duterte did not deny the killings or his alleged role in them. "That's not bluster. That's not hyperbole. That's the truth," he said.

The prosecution also cited a Nov. 27, 2015 press conference where Duterte referred to Davao City as “Exhibit A” of his qualifications to run for president. In the same briefing, he added, "Either I get what I want, or you perish. Let’s be straightforward. What does that mean? That means killings."

Additional video clips from the 2016 presidential campaign were also presented, including statements where Duterte said he would have criminals killed and warned that he would eliminate anyone “who makes the lives of Filipinos miserable” if elected.

In concluding his presentation, Nicholls maintained that Duterte’s repeated public remarks could not be dismissed.

"He said it, he did it, that's who he is. He won the election, became president on June 30, 2016 and did exactly as he said he would," he said. "He murdered thousands of people by taking the Davao Model nationwide."

Duterte currently faces three counts of crimes against humanity for murder and attempted murder, covering 49 incidents and at least 76 victims during his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president. The confirmation of charges hearings are set to continue until February 27.