Rodrigo Duterte's legal counsel will not include Harry Roque, Salvador Medialdea—VP Sara
Vice President Sara Duterte said that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea will not be part of Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team in the International Criminal Court’s drug war probe.
The vice president said they would not include Roque because his basis for staying in the Netherlands is not clearly established.
“We don’t want complications. Gusto namin nakatutok talaga 'yung lawyers doon sa kaso. We want him to focus on his asylum, and we want our lawyers to focus on the case,” VP Sara told the media.
Should he insist on becoming the defense team, Roque must discuss the matter with the former president.
On March 14, the elder Duterte designated Medialdea, who's not an ICC-accredited lawyer, as one of his counsels in his first appearance via a handwritten power of attorney document.
The vice president said that Medialdea will withdraw from counsel once the legal team has been formed. She added that they want lawyers with ICC experience.
British-Israeli lawyer Atty. Nicholas Kaufman will lead the team, with more foreign lawyers expected to join.
“Mayroon pa akong mga kakausaping mga lawyers. Mayroon pang darating na isang abogado. Mai-interview ko siya para sumali sa team,” she added, per the outlet.
Following Duterte's initial appearance before the ICC, where he was informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed as well as his rights as a defendant, he is now set to appear in another hearing on Sept. 23 for the confirmation of charges.
The judges will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the charges against him.
Duterte could be the first Asian former head of state to be indicted by the ICC.
If the charges against him are confirmed, it could be months before the case eventually goes on trial, and years before a final judgment is rendered.
