THE HAGUE – Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and ex-Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will not be part of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal defense team before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media after visiting her father, VP Sara clarified that Roque’s exclusion stems from his current asylum application in the Netherlands.
“We want our lawyers to focus solely on the case, while Atty. Roque needs to focus on his asylum process,” she said.
Meanwhile, Medialdea is expected to withdraw once the legal team is finalized due to limited slots for attorneys, with the priority given to lawyers experienced in ICC cases.
Duterte’s Defense Team Taking Shape
British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has been chosen to lead the defense, with additional legal experts expected to join. Kaufman assured that he aims to provide the “strongest defense” for Duterte.
VP Sara also mentioned that her father repeatedly urged her to return to the Philippines, emphasizing that her visit was solely to assist in forming the legal team.
Medialdea Hospitalized in The Hague
On the same day, Medialdea was seen leaving the Hague Penitentiary Institution in an ambulance. The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands later confirmed that he had received treatment at an emergency room and was transferred to a regular hospital room for further care.
As Duterte’s defense strategy unfolds, his legal team is expected to expand, with more lawyers specializing in international criminal law joining the case.