ICC Clarifies Independent Funding Amid Duterte Probe Claims
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution office has firmly denied allegations that its Philippine investigation was compromised by local funding, stating that all activities were conducted independently and financed through court-approved budgets.
In a statement to international media on Wednesday, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) emphasized that it "independently collects the information relevant to its investigations" and operates under strict financial oversight from ICC member states.
Allegations Surface During Historic Hearing
The clarification comes as former President Rodrigo Duterte faces historic pre-trial proceedings at The Hague. Controversial allegations emerged from former military personnel claiming they delivered cash to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to allegedly fund ICC investigator activities in the Philippines between 2023 and 2025.
The accusations, circulated through an affidavit, suggest that ICC personnel's hotel accommodations were paid using funds allegedly connected to resigned Congressman Zaldy Co, who remains at large following corruption charges related to flood control scandals.
Trillanes Denies Allegations
Senator Trillanes, a vocal critic of the Duterte administration and among the first Filipinos to file ICC complaints against the former president, has categorically denied the allegations. He announced plans to file cyberlibel complaints against the accusers and their legal representative.
Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez revealed that four individuals who spoke at Tuesday's press conference were never actually members of the Navy or Marine Corps, raising questions about the credibility of their claims.
ICC Maintains Operational Security
The OTP declined to comment on the identities of personnel allegedly operating in the Philippines, citing protection of "victims, witnesses, and all those with whom the Office interacts." This follows previous incidents where ICC investigator identities were publicly disclosed, including Senator Imee Marcos displaying their passports during televised Senate hearings.
"The costs related to OTP prosecutions and investigations activities, including missions' expenses are fully covered by this budget managed strictly by the Office in an independent and transparent manner," the prosecution office stated.
The ICC's Assembly of States Parties, comprising voluntary funding member countries, provides financial oversight for all court operations through established mechanisms designed to ensure transparency and independence.
As the Duterte case proceeds at The Hague, these allegations highlight ongoing tensions between the Philippine government's cooperation with international justice mechanisms and domestic political dynamics surrounding accountability for alleged human rights violations.