Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has assembled a legal team, spearheaded by British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, to defend him against charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The panel, coordinated by his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, includes former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque as supporting counsels.
Nicholas Kaufman: Veteran ICC Defense Counsel
Kaufman, a seasoned international lawyer with 34 years of experience, holds credentials from the University of Cambridge and London’s Inns of Court Law School. His expertise includes representing high-profile ICC defendants such as Jean-Pierre Bemba, a Congolese ex-warlord whose 18-year sentence for crimes against humanity was overturned on appeal in 2018, and Maxime Mokom, a Central African Republic militia leader whose charges were dropped in 2023 due to insufficient evidence.
Ralph Sarmiento, Dean of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod’s College of Law, emphasized Kaufman’s critical role: “Experience in international criminal litigation prevents procedural delays and ensures effective defense.” While retaining such counsel is costly, Sarmiento noted the ICC can assign accredited lawyers if a defendant cannot afford private representation.
Salvador Medialdea: Loyal Legal Strategist
Medialdea, a longtime ally and San Beda Law schoolmate of Duterte, has been a constant presence in the former president’s legal battles. He framed Duterte’s detention and transfer to The Hague as an “extrajudicial rendition,” though the ICC rejected his request to postpone Duterte’s initial hearing. Medialdea previously managed labor and immigration cases before serving as Duterte’s Executive Secretary and now leads a law firm representing the former leader.
Harry Roque: Controversial Advocate
Roque, a human rights lawyer turned Duterte spokesperson, brings a complex history to the team. Known for representing high-profile victims, including Jennifer Laude and Maguindanao Massacre families, he now faces legal troubles in the Philippines, including a qualified human trafficking charge. Despite potential extradition risks, Sarmiento clarified that Roque’s domestic legal issues would not bar his participation in ICC proceedings.
Sara Duterte: Family Liaison Amid Political Turbulence
Vice President Sara Duterte, acting as the family’s representative, has shuttled between The Hague and Manila amid her own political challenges. An impeachment trial looms in the Philippine Senate, linked to her rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former electoral ally. While constitutionally barred from private legal practice, she plans to remotely support her father’s defense after returning to the Philippines.
The ICC requires only the lead counsel to be accredited, allowing flexibility for supporting lawyers. As the case unfolds, Duterte’s team faces the dual challenge of navigating international law while managing domestic political and legal complexities.
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