Duterte Team Finalizes ICC Defense
The legal team for former President Rodrigo Duterte is being finalized as he faces crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC), GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita reported on Monday.
At present, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea is the only legal representative recognized by the ICC. However, Duterte’s camp is working to expand his defense team. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque revealed that he has spoken with British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, one of the proposed candidates to represent Duterte in the case.
Roque stated that they will push for the dismissal of the charges before the ICC’s next scheduled hearing on September 23, 2025.
VP Sara Duterte’s Visit
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte, who holds a daily pass to visit her father at Scheveningen Prison, revealed that the former president requested slippers and socks during her visit.
On Friday, she noted that Duterte appeared well-rested but missed Filipino food. She also advised him to notify the prison’s medical staff immediately if he experienced any discomfort.
Duterte reportedly asked his daughter to return to the Philippines as soon as possible.
“I told him I understand. I don’t want to be here as well, but unfortunately, I’m the only one with a Schengen visa and the only one who is a lawyer,” Sara said.
She explained that once the legal team is formed, she plans to return home and work remotely. She also mentioned that other family members are in the process of applying for visas to visit Duterte.
ICC Proceedings
On March 11, Philippine authorities assisted Interpol in executing the ICC’s arrest warrant against Duterte over his controversial war on drugs. He was then transported to The Hague in the Netherlands.
Duterte entered Scheveningen Prison on March 13 (Philippine time) and made his first court appearance via video link the following day. During the session, the ICC formally read the charges against him and informed him of his rights under the Rome Statute.
The next hearing to confirm the charges is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
