00:00The International Criminal Court has granted former President Rodrigo Duterte's request to waive his appearance at next week's confirmation of
00:08charges hearing.
00:09In a decision dated February 20th, the ICC's pre-trial chamber 1 ruled that the hearing scheduled from February 23rd
00:18to 27th will proceed in his absence.
00:21The court said Duterte submitted a signed written waiver confirming that he understood his right to be present and the
00:27legal consequences of waiving that right.
00:30Judges found the waiver complied with ICC rules and clarified that his absence is not based on health grounds.
00:37In January, the chamber had already declared him medically fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings.
00:44The confirmation hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move the case forward to trial.
00:49While such hearings may proceed if an accused properly waives attendance, ICC rules require the accused to be present during
00:57the trial itself.
00:59Duterte's lawyer said the waiver is within his rights and reiterated that the former president does not recognize the ICC's
01:06jurisdiction over him.
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