Issues of judicial independence also loom over the Senate, There, the Dutertes are benefiting from a wide berth in their political influence, wrongly and unlawfully, to delay or even to kill the trial. They should not emboldened to do the same hullaballoo at the ICC.

Initial victims’ applications, and consequently the appointment of common legal representative/s, are expected to occur within one to two months before the target of August 3, 2025. In the meantime, victims’ views and concerns will be carried by the Office of the Public Counsel for Victims.

When trust in the system breaks down, transparency must take its place. The people have the right to know their votes were counted truthfully. Without credibility, there is no legitimacy.