The ICC building is tightly secured, we were given badges that only work in some areas of the building. We won't be able to go to the restricted areas. We were given a 15 minute security briefing at the start. But the media center is big, this is only the press briefing area. We have more rooms they call "hot desks" for journalists wanting to work in silence, and where there are computer monitors for what happens in the courtroom. We can also watch from the gallery of the courtroom but mobile phones are not allowed. Thankfully, years of being as a justice reporter in cramped philippine courts where i'm standing for hours on end scribbling on a paper has trained me for it.

@here you can watch the AMA with the ICC spokesperson now:

https://youtu.be/0NEZcRaYBuQ

The decision to approve the waiver came a bit of a surprise to me honestly since it’s not so common for suspects to be absent in their proceedings especially if they are already in custody. Plus, he has been ruled fit for trial.

That’s just another twist brought by thr Philippines to the still evolving design of ICC.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/duterte-rare-absence-icc-pre-trial-confirmation-hearing/

Yeah. Honestly an insane decision in my opinion. Really no basis for it.

ICC perhaps is playing it safe, while it’s supposed to not care about public opinion, the fact that they have the idea how vast and rabid the supporters of Duterte are… ICC played it on the safer side. My two-cent worth.

Hi Lean.

hi sir! what are your thoughts so far on this?

Good morning from The Hague. I am here at the press conference of the Duterte Panagutin Network, where two relatives of victims of the war on drugs have flown from Manila to the Netherlands to witness the confirmation of charges hearing.

Good evening Lian! I have travelled here to watch the preliminary hearing. When I planned my trip last week, it said that seating in the public gallery are limited and to queue an hour before. But I checked the website again today and it seems they've closed the public gallery for the 4 days of hearing. They've also disallowed 'walk-in visitors' to the visitor centre or library! I am so disappointed having taken time off and paid to travel here. On the 40th anniversary of People Power where the Marcoses got away with murder AND plunder, I wanted to witness the wheels of justice turn. Clearly they are expecting some issues with 'some' of the public tomorrow?! I mean the rules to visit are strict enough but they don't trust 'some' to behave? What other conclusions can I make? The ban is only on those 4 days and not on the others.

Why isn't he in contempt for it?!

Diba? Parang hindi alam ng Hague ang nangyari sa Pinas nung 2016-2022. Nakakahiya ang Hague ngayon.

I don't agree. ICC managed to haul Duterte to The Hague when no one has the spine to take him to account in the Philippines. I salute the ICC!

Two things can be true at once

If you think PH is the only country that privileges wealth and influence, then you will be in for a rude awakening. The ICC made a stupid, nonsense ruling, plain and simple.

hi rosanne! it could be because the seats are limited and have already been allocated to accredited press, diplomatic corps, and other observers. The gallery is really very small. I'm sorry to hear about your frustration. I'll ask the public affairs unit about it tomorrow and let you know

Yes please! THANKS. So the Media also uses the very same public gallery?!

I do not understand. The ICC was founded for this purpose - "to investigate the gravest crimes". What are you finding "unbelievable" and "embarrassing"?

Unbelievable and embarrassing that they are allowing Duterte to not be present for these hearings.

Lian already covered this with the interview with ICC spokesperson Orianne Maillet. Re - "there is a specific provision in the court's legal text - the Rome Statute, that indeed grants the right of the suspect NOT to be present at the pre-trial hearing". If the case goes to trial, then he is required to be present. There is no "random special treatment". The law is followed to the letter.

Okay but the article I commented on did not have that information yet.

It begins today. Good morning! @here https://www.rappler.com/philippines/duterte-on-pre-trial-icc/