ICC allows PH to submit reply on probe appeal

THE International Criminal Court has granted Manila’s request to reply to the arguments raised by the ICC prosecutor on the country’s appeal against the resumption of the probe into the bloody war on illegal drugs of the Duterte administration. In a decision made public Saturday, the ICC appeals chamber said itwould help it decide on the appeal petition if the Philippine government submits a reply to certain issues raised by ICC

Prosecutor Karim Khan.

It gave Manila until May 16 to submit its response.

“The Republic of the Philippines may file a reply to the Prosecution’s response to the Philippine Government’s Appeal

Brief… The reply shall not exceed 10 pages,” read the decision signed by Presiding Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.

In January, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber authorized the resumption of the probe into the previous administration’s controversial drug war, which it suspended in November 2021 following a deferral request from the Philippine government.

Both Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and Justice Secretary JesusCrispin Remulla had challenged the ICC prosecutor as to how he can continue his investigation without the compulsory processes, such as subpoenas, that only Philippine authorities can issue.