Bending toward justice: A forum on the ICC, the Duterte case, and victim participation

Amid growing public attention to proceedings before the International Criminal Court involving former President Rodrigo Duterte, questions of accountability, due process, and victim participation have taken on renewed urgency. Beyond the intensity of public discourse, however, lie deeper legal and institutional questions: how does international justice operate in practice, and what does it mean for the victims who seek it?

In response to these questions, the Fr Joaquin G Bernas SJ Institute for Continuing Legal Education, in partnership with the Ateneo Human Rights Center, will hold the third installment of its On the Sounding Board series, entitled “Bending Toward Justice: A Forum on the ICC, the Duterte Case, and Victim Participation,” on 31 March 2026.

The forum seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how the International Criminal Court functions, particularly in relation to the Philippine context. While public discussions surrounding the case have often been shaped by political narratives and fragmented information, the forum aims to refocus attention on the legal frameworks that govern international criminal proceedings and the standards of due process that underpin them.

Central to the discussion is the role of victims within the ICC process. Participation before the Court remains complex and, at times, difficult to navigate. Legal procedures, geographic distance, and broader social and political conditions may affect the ability of victims to meaningfully engage in proceedings intended to address their experiences. By foregrounding these realities, the forum highlights the human dimension of international criminal law, beyond its technical and procedural aspects.

The panel discussion will feature a Case Manager for the Legal Representatives of Victims and the Co-Chairperson of the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court. Drawing from their respective experiences, the speakers will offer insights into recent developments in the case, the role of civil society in supporting victim participation, and the continuing challenges in ensuring access to justice at both the international and domestic levels.

As part of the On the Sounding Board series, the forum aims to foster informed, critical, and respectful dialogue on pressing legal issues. It reflects the Bernas Institute’s commitment to advancing legal education and public understanding of complex questions at the intersection of law, accountability, and human rights.

Join the Fr Joaquin G Bernas SJ Institute for Continuing Legal Education as it opens a timely conversation on the processes of the International Criminal Court, the role of victims in international criminal justice, and the challenges that remain in ensuring meaningful access to justice.

4F Justitia, Ateneo Law School, Rockwell Center, Makati
31 March 2026
9am-12pm
https://go.ateneo.edu/ALS-SoundingBoard-3

The forum will be conducted in a hybrid format, with both onsite and online participation. The online link will be provided upon registration. Participation is free of charge.