Roque forms team to defend Duterte at ICC

Harry Roque, the former presidential spokesperson, announced a legal team that will defend former President Rodrigo Duterte in his case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs campaign.

Roque's defense team includes former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and British lawyer 'Attorney Kaufman', who is also listed as an ICC counsel, though only Medialdea participated in the first hearing via video link while Duterte was detained at a detention center.

The ICC confirmed that Duterte appeared before Judge Lulia Motoc on Friday, March 14, where he answered basic questions about his identity and the charges against him.

Vice President Sara Duterte witnessed her father's appearance through a live feed in The Hague, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fair legal proceedings for former President Duterte.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025, allowing both the prosecution and defense ample time to prepare their cases thoroughly.