SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS: Duterte’s waiver: a tired, old man’s frail defiance
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 21 February) – The document containing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s waiver of his right to attend the confirmatio…
SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS: Duterte’s waiver: a tired, old man’s frail defiance
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 21 February) – The document containing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s waiver of his right to attend the confirmation of charges hearing before the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court from February 23-24 and from 26-27 combines propaganda and legal maneuver. It makes use of ad misericordiam (appeal to pity or emotion) – “I am old, tired, and frail,” “I have accepted the fact that I could die in prison.” It also resurrects the issue of jurisdiction that the Pre-Trial Chamber has resolved in favor of the Prosecution, a decision which the Appeals Chamber has upheld. While the claims of poor health and cognitive impairment may make the hearts of Duterte’s diehard supporters bleed, the ICC would have none of it. In a finding submitted to the court last month, a panel of medical experts found him fit to attend the hearings in person. Besides, being “old, tired, and frail” is never a reason to shun responsibility and accountability for crim...
