PROSECUTORS from the International Criminal Court (ICC) have asked judges to order the defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte to clarify the status of six Filipino lawyers who have been publicly associated with his case, citing concerns over witness protection and the integrity of confidential proceedings.
In a filing made public on Wednesday, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) expressed alarm over public statements made by Duterte’s lead defense counsel during last month’s confirmation of charges hearing.
The defense team introduced Salvador Medialdea, Salvador Panelo, Martin Delgra, Silvestre Bello, Alfredo Lim and Cesar Dulay as supporters seated in the gallery.
According to the prosecution, subsequent media interviews suggested the involvement runs deeper.
The defense counsel was quoted as saying that two of the lawyers had been “working with [us] all along,” while another, Panelo, reportedly indicated that the team was set to meet with the “Filipino legal team” to discuss strategies.
The prosecution argued that these statements have created a public impression that the six lawyers are formal members of the defense team before the ICC.
This ambiguity, the OTP argued, poses a significant problem for prosecutors who are legally obligated under Article 68 of the Rome Statute to protect victims and witnesses.
“The prosecution has a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the safety, physical and psychological well-being, dignity and privacy of victims and witnesses,” the filing said. “This includes knowing which individuals work for Mr. Duterte’s defense team, as these individuals have access to highly sensitive confidential information.” The OTP noted that the named individuals have deep ties to the former president, having worked on his presidential campaign and held high-level positions in his administration during the period in which the alleged crimes took place.
The prosecution stated it requires clarification to conduct thorough risk assessments and potentially oppose their formal appointment if necessary.
Prosecutors claimed they attempted to resolve the matter privately, stating that defense counsel informally advised them that the six men are not team members.
However, the OTP argued this representation is inconsistent with the lawyers’ public statements. After defense counsel reportedly refused to clarify the matter on the public record, the prosecution escalated the issue to the chamber.
‘Serious reminder’
Meanwhile, on the anniversary of the arrest of her father, Vice President Sara Duterte said his “extraordinary rendition or kidnapping” served as a “serious reminder.” In March 2025, the former president was brought to the Netherlands after his arrest based on a warrant from the ICC, which had investigated him in connection with the drug war that was carried out during his presidency.
Vice President Duterte said in a statement on Wednesday that the “extraordinary rendition or kidnapping” of former president Duterte “is a serious reminder that the law should not be used as a weapon for politics or personal interest.” Another Duterte supporter, Sen. Robinhood Padilla, on Wednesday called on the Supreme Court of the Philippines to act swiftly on pending petitions questioning the legality of the arrest and detention of the former president at the ICC.