The chamber assures that the ongoing investigation will not affect the confirmation of charges set for September, as well as the disclosure process. Under the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the disclosure procedure means that the suspect is being informed of the evidence that the prosecution intends to use against him during the confirmation of charges. “For this reason, the prosecution shall conduct its investigative activities in a way that will not affect the disclosure process or the conduct of the confirmation of charges proceedings and hearing,” read the order. If, as a result of its ongoing investigation, there is a risk that would affect the disclosure process and confirmation of charges, the Chamber said, the ICC prosecutor “shall immediately inform the chamber and, to the extent possible, the parties and participants in the event that any such activities would nevertheless risk having such effects.” Duterte was arrested on March 11, immediately upon his arrival from Hong Kong. Although the Philippine government has withdrawn its membership from the ICC, it has an international commitment with the Interpol that coordinated with the Philippine government regarding the ICC arrest warrant. Read Full Story
