Duterte taps Medialdea as one of his counsels in ICC proceedings

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has designated his former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea as one of his counsels in the proceedings of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he is facing crimes against humanity charges.

“I, Rodrigo. R. Duterte, hereby appoint Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea as one of my counsel in the ICC proceedings,” Duterte said in a handwritten power of attorney document dated Wednesday.

LOOK: Sulat ni dating Pang. Rodrigo Duterte sa International Criminal Court kaugnay ng hiling para sa presensya ni dating ES Salvador Medialdea bilang ‘counsel’ sa kanyang unang pagharap sa pagdinig ng pre-trial chamber ngayong Biyernes | @dzbb @gmanews

????: ICC pic.twitter.com/0W4JqxLa00

— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) March 13, 2025

Duterte also requested for Medialdea to assist him during his initial appearance before the Pre-Trial Chamber.

“I, the undersigned, identified as the above client, request the Registry to appoint the person identified as counsel, to assist me during the initial appearance before the Pre-Trial Chamber, in the framework of the proceedings against me before the ICC,” Duterte said in another document dated Thursday.

“I understand that this appointment is conditional on counsel's acceptance to act in that capacity before the Court and does not prejudge the election of counsel who will assist me during the remainder of the proceedings,” he added.

In a separate document, the ICC’s Registrar acknowledged Duterte’s request.

“He also confirmed orally, to the Registry representatives, that he wishes to have the assistance of the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence for the purposes of the initial appearance in addition to Mr Medialdea,” the ICC’s Registrar said on Thursday.

The Registry will facilitate Medialdea’s presence at the initial appearance of Duterte before the Court.

On Tuesday morning, authorities served a warrant of arrest from the ICC against Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war.

The plane carrying Duterte departed the Philippines on Tuesday evening heading to The Hague in the Netherlands.

Early Thursday morning (Philippine time), Duterte entered the Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison where he is set to be held while awaiting trial.

Duterte's first appearance at the ICC has been set for Friday.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News