ICC Prosecution Maintains Independence Despite Local Funding Claims
The International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor has firmly defended the independence and proper funding of its Philippine investigation, responding to allegations that emerged during former President Rodrigo Duterte's historic pre-trial hearing at The Hague.
In a statement to international media, the ICC prosecution emphasized that its Philippine probe was conducted independently and funded through the court's approved budget, not through external sources as alleged by former military personnel.
Allegations Surface During Duterte Hearing
The controversy arose from affidavits by former soldiers claiming they delivered cash to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to allegedly fund ICC investigator activities in the Philippines between 2023 and 2025. The allegations suggest hotel accommodations for ICC personnel were paid using money supposedly from resigned Congressman Zaldy Co, who remains at large facing flood control corruption charges.
Trillanes, a vocal Duterte critic who filed one of the first ICC complaints against the former president, has denied these allegations and announced plans to file cyberlibel complaints against his accusers and their lawyer Levi Baligod.
Navy Disputes Military Claims
Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez clarified that four individuals who spoke at Tuesday's press conference with Baligod were never members of the Navy or Marine Corps, though two claimed Army service according to their affidavits.
ICC Funding Transparency
The Office of the Prosecutor explained that all investigation activities are funded through the ICC's budget, approved by the Assembly of States Parties and subject to established oversight mechanisms. The ASP comprises ICC member countries that voluntarily fund the court's operations.
"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 OTP stated.
Operational Security Concerns
The affidavit reportedly identifies ICC personnel by name and photographs, including Chantal Daniels, the OTP's international cooperation adviser. This follows previous incidents where Senator Imee Marcos displayed alleged ICC investigators' passports during a televised Senate hearing.
The ICC declined to comment on personnel identities, citing operational security and the need to protect victims, witnesses, and staff involved in ongoing investigations.
As the Philippines continues to navigate its relationship with international justice mechanisms while maintaining sovereignty concerns, these developments highlight the complex intersection of local politics and international legal proceedings affecting our nation's future.