Former President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed his former executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea, as one of his legal counsels for the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings, where he faces crimes against humanity charges.
In a handwritten power of attorney document dated Wednesday, Duterte formally designated Medialdea as part of his legal team.
“I, Rodrigo R. Duterte, hereby appoint Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea as one of my counsel in the ICC proceedings,” Duterte wrote.
He also requested Medialdea’s presence during his initial appearance before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber.
ICC’s Response and Legal Arrangements
The ICC’s Registrar acknowledged Duterte’s request and confirmed that the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence will also assist him during his first court appearance.
“He also confirmed orally, to the Registry representatives, that he wishes to have the assistance of the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence in addition to Mr. Medialdea,” the Registrar stated on Thursday.
Duterte’s ICC Case: Key Developments
🔹 Duterte was arrested Tuesday morning under an ICC-issued warrant related to his war on drugs.
🔹 He was flown to The Hague, Netherlands, on Tuesday evening.
🔹 Early Thursday (Philippine time), he entered Scheveningen Prison, where he will be held before trial.
🔹 Duterte’s first ICC appearance is scheduled for Friday.