MANILA – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has the authority to freeze the assets of former President Rodrigo Duterte even while his trial for crimes against humanity is still in progress.
According to a report on “24 Oras”, the move aims to ensure funds are available for possible compensation to victims of Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.
How the Asset Freeze Works
- The ICC Prosecutor’s Office collects financial records of the accused from the start of proceedings.
- Once a warrant of arrest or summons is issued, authorities can request the identification, tracing, or freezing of Duterte’s property and assets.
- The ICC Registry works with states and inter-governmental organizations to locate and recover the suspect’s assets.
However, enforcing the asset freeze depends on the cooperation of the country where Duterte’s assets are located. Since the Philippines is no longer an ICC member, any enforcement would require assistance from Philippine authorities.
Will the Philippine Government Cooperate?
Despite the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government may act through the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) if necessary.
“If the ICC issues an order, we will refer it to the AMLC if needed,” Castro said.
She added that if reparations are due to victims, the government will ensure justice is served.
Panelo: ‘Nothing to Freeze’
Meanwhile, former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo dismissed concerns over asset freezing, saying Duterte is not wealthy.
“Apart from having no legal basis, there is nothing to freeze. Duterte is dirt poor,” Panelo claimed.
In 2017, Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) reported his net worth at over ₱28 million.
Regardless of the asset freeze, the ICC’s trust fund can also be used to provide financial aid to victims.
With legal proceedings ongoing, the extent of the ICC’s enforcement power over Duterte’s assets remains a key issue.