ICC prosecution wants role of Duterte’s PH lawyers clarified
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution is seeking clarification on the involvement of Filipino lawyers in former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal team, following their appearance during his recent confirmation of charges hearing.
On March 6, 2026, ICC prosecutors filed a formal motion with Pre-Trial Chamber I seeking clarification about the roles of six Filipino lawyers who attended former President Rodrigo Duterte's confirmation of charges hearings. The lawyers in question are Salvador Medialdea, Martin Delgra III, Silvestre Bello III, Alfredo Lim Jr., Caesar Dulay, and Salvador Panelo. These lawyers had been present during the February 23-27, 2026 hearings at The Hague, sitting in the gallery and being referenced by Duterte's lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman in his opening statement, which created confusion about their official status in the proceedings.
The prosecution's motion specifically requested the court to compel Duterte's defense team to confirm that these six Filipino lawyers are not official members of his ICC defense team and have no access to confidential case materials or privileged visits with Duterte in detention. This clarification was needed for proper risk assessments regarding potential future appointments. Prosecutors had previously emailed Duterte's defense on February 25 seeking clarification but received no response, prompting the formal filing.
Duterte faces three counts of murder as crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign from 2011 to 2019. The confirmation of charges hearings, which took place from February 23-27, 2026, will determine whether the case proceeds to trial. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber will decide on charge confirmation and potential trial progression based on the evidence presented during these hearings.
This development follows earlier legal maneuvers in the case, including Duterte's defense team seeking to disqualify three Filipino lawyers representing drug war victims (Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres, and another lawyer) for alleged conflict of interest. The ICC prosecutor's office had remained neutral on that earlier motion. The current clarification request highlights the procedural complexities surrounding legal representation in high-profile international criminal cases, particularly when multiple lawyers from the defendant's home country are involved in various capacities.
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