Duterte camp meets to finalize ICC defense team

The camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte met Sunday to finalize the composition of the legal team that will defend him in the crimes against humanity charges he is facing before the International Criminal Court, GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita reported on Monday. 

At present, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea is the only legal representative of Duterte recognized by the ICC.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said he has spoken with British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, one of the names submitted by the Duterte camp to the ICC to possibly represent the former president.

He said they would push for the dismissal of the charges prior to the ICC’s next hearing on September 23.

Meanwhile, Roque said Duterte asked for slippers and socks when his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte visited him at the Scheveningen Prison.

Sara holds a daily pass to visit his father, according to a report of Mariz Umali. 

On Friday, Sara said the former president looked well-rested and was missing Filipino food when she saw him for the first time since his detention in the Netherlands.

She told her father to inform the detention facility's medical staff right away if he experienced any discomfort.

According to her, Duterte also asked her to immediately return to the Philippines.

“I told him I know I understand. I don't want to be here as well but unfortunately I'm the only who has a Schengen visa and I am the only one who is a lawyer. I told him when we are able to meet with the legal team I will immediately return home and do my work,'' she said.

''I told him I just have to form that legal team, then I can work remotely in the Philippines talking to the legal team and just need a next of kin to come here. Everyone's applying for a visa right now,'' she added.

Philippine authorities on March 11 assisted the Interpol in serving a warrant of arrest from the ICC against Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war.

After his arrest, Duterte was transported to the Hague in the Netherlands.

Duterte on March 13 (Philippine time) entered the Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison where he is set to be held while awaiting trial.

On March 14 (Philippine time), Duterte faced via video link the ICC for the first time.

The court read to Duterte the charges against him related to the killings under his administration's war on drugs. He was also informed of his rights under the Rome Statute.

The next hearing on the confirmation of the charges has been set for September 23, 2025.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News