Filipino Lawyers Active in ICC Hearings as Court Assures Witness Protection in Duterte Case
As former President Rodrigo Duterte's lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman confirms active participation of Filipino lawyers in ICC pre-trial hearings, an ICC-accredited lawyer, Kristina Conti, assured that the court provides strong protection for witnesses in cases like the drug war to ensure their safety and reintegration.
Filipino lawyers, including former Duterte administration officials Salvador Medialdea and Salvador Panelo, are actively participating in the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte, which began on February 23, 2026, in The Hague. Duterte's lead counsel, British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, confirmed that at least two Filipino lawyers have been actively contributing to his ICC defense since Duterte's arrest in March 2025, and they will attend the hearing to provide support, impartial analysis for the Philippine public, and advocate for his rights. The Duterte family highlighted a Filipino legal team composed of former Cabinet members and appointees for their commitment ahead of the hearing, though only ICC-accredited lawyers can officially represent parties in court.
Medialdea previously acted as temporary legal representative during Duterte's initial appearance on March 14, 2025, filing a 'manifestation' claiming Duterte's transfer to The Hague was akin to 'rendition, kidnapping, and abduction,' a move criticized by international law scholars as politicizing the process. Human rights group Karapatan's secretary general, Cristina Palabay, called for some of these six Filipino attorneys to face charges themselves for their roles in justifying drug war killings.
The ICC has assured strong witness protection through its dedicated Victims and Witnesses Unit, which provides support and protection under the Rome Statute and Rules of Procedure. This includes protection for 539 authorized victims whose three legal representatives will participate in the proceedings. ICC-accredited lawyer Kristina Conti emphasized that the court provides robust protection for witnesses in cases like the drug war to ensure their safety and reintegration.
The confirmation of charges hearing (February 23-27, 2026) will assess evidence for crimes against humanity including murder, torture, and rape allegedly committed during Duterte's drug war from 2011 to 2019. Duterte has waived his right to physical attendance, and the proceedings will continue in absentia. Amnesty International has urged swift confirmation of charges, protection of witnesses from intimidation, and cooperation from the Philippine government. A jurisdiction challenge by Duterte's defense team remains pending before the court.
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