Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque will no longer be part of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team at the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Vice President Sara Duterte.
The vice president announced the development after her second visit to her father at the ICC detention facility. She explained that Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, a British-Israeli lawyer, has officially taken over as Duterte’s lead counsel, and additional legal experts with ICC experience are being considered.
“Unang-una, his team is headed by Atty. Nicholas Kaufman… meron pa akong mga kakausapin na mga lawyers… And then, once maayos na yung team for ICC, magwi-withdraw si Atty. Medialdea kasi meron lang limited na mga slots for lawyers, and we want all the lawyers on board na merong ICC experience,” she said.
Medialdea, who initially represented Duterte before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber, will withdraw from the team due to limited slots for legal representatives. Meanwhile, Roque was never formally included in the legal team.
“Hindi pa kasi na-establish kung ano yung basis ng pag-stay niya dito sa Netherlands, and we don’t want complications,” Vice President Duterte said, referring to Roque’s asylum application. She added that Roque should focus on his asylum process while the legal team remains committed to Duterte’s defense.
Kaufman was officially appointed as lead counsel on March 17 and has already visited Duterte in detention. He expressed confidence in the former president’s defense, emphasizing that Duterte’s rights were denied in the Philippines, which will be a key argument in court.
Despite his detention, Duterte remains in high spirits and has been socializing with facility personnel.
“Oh, I have to tell you he’s charming everyone inside… Ang sinabi niya sa ‘kin, ‘Para akong nasa hotel, except hindi ako makalabas,’” VP Duterte shared.
Her request for a five-day daily visit was only partially granted, allowing her just one visit. Senator Robin Padilla and Roque have also attempted to visit Duterte but have so far been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Medialdea suffered a medical emergency upon arriving in The Hague. He was rushed to a hospital but refused further treatment.
“Nung pag-landing nila dito sa The Hague, nag-collapse na siya and dinala siya sa hospital. Kaso nag against medical advice siya, discharged,” VP Duterte said, adding that despite repeated advice to seek medical attention, Medialdea refused further check-ups.
