A formidable legal defense is assembling as former President Rodrigo Duterte prepares to confront the International Criminal Court (ICC) next week. Six key figures from his administration – individuals who once held the highest levels of power – will stand alongside him during the confirmation hearing, beginning February 23rd.
The team includes Salvador Medialdea, his former Executive Secretary and a trusted confidant; Salvador Panelo, who served as Chief Legal Counsel; and Silvestre Bello III, the former Secretary of Labor. Rounding out the group are Martin Delgra III, previously head of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; Caesar Dulay, ex-chief of the Internal Revenue Service; and Alfredo Cereza Lim, the former President of PAGCOR.
This carefully selected group will represent Duterte’s interests before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I, ensuring he has a dedicated Filipino legal presence during the proceedings. The confirmation hearing will determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a full trial concerning alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
The hearing is scheduled to span four days, from February 23rd to the 27th, a period that will be intensely scrutinized both domestically and internationally. The ICC has denied requests for in-person family visits during this critical time, though telephone communication will remain open, offering a limited lifeline to those closest to the former President.
The situation escalated last year when the International Criminal Police Organization arrested Duterte following the ICC’s issuance of a warrant. He was swiftly transported to The Hague, Netherlands, to answer to the charges stemming from the widespread and often brutal tactics employed during his “Drug War.”
The upcoming hearing represents a pivotal moment, not only for Duterte himself but also for the legacy of his presidency and the ongoing debate surrounding accountability for actions taken during his time in office. The world will be watching as the ICC weighs the evidence and determines the next steps in this complex and highly charged case.
