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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Roque set to join Duterte's counsels

Roque set to join Duterte's counsels

Published Mar 14, 2025 01:37 pm

At A Glance

  • Roque, who was seen in public for the first time in months on Friday morning, March 14 (Netherlands time), said in an interview prior to Duterte's first ICC appearance that he had signed up to be one of Duterte's lawyers.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said he is set to join former president Rodrigo Duterte's team of counsel as he faces trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over crimes against humanity.

Harry Roque.jpg
File photo

Roque, who was seen in public for the first time in months on Friday morning, March 14 (Netherlands time), said in an interview prior to Duterte's first ICC appearance that he had signed up to be one of Duterte's lawyers.

"Sa ngayon ay isa pa lang ang na-recognize na lawyer si, Atty. (Salvador) Medialdea, dahil siya nga yung kasama. Pero we have filled up all the documents para mapasama din ako sa team of his counsels (As of no, only Atty. Medialdea is recognized as his counsel because he is the only companion. But we have filled up all the documents in order to be included in his team of counsels)," Roque said.

He also disclosed that they would try to postpone the hearing.

"Now may mga dahilan kami pero susubukan naming ipaliban itong kauna-unahang pagdinig na ito. Pero itong dahilan namin ay pribadong ipararating sa mga mahistrato (Now, we have reasons to try to postpone the first trial. But we will bring this up privately to the court)," Roque said.

"So hindi ko alam kung makapagbibigyan yung hiling namin na ipagpaliban pero wala naman akong dahilan na naiisip na hindi mapagbibigyan yan kasi wala namang pupuntahan si Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte, nariyan na siya sa kulungan sa the Hague (So, I don't know if our appeal to postpone this will be granted but I cannot think of any reason it won't because president Rodrigo Roa Duterte will not go anywhere, he is already detained at the Hague)," he added.

The former Palace official also said that they were trying to get access to visit the former president for him to meet his daughter, Vice President Sara, before gaking his first ICC appearance.

Roque was put on the immigration lookout after he was embroiled in the qualified human trafficking case that was filed against Cassandra Li Ong and other high-profile suspects involved in the illegal activities of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub Lucky South 99 Corp. that was raided by authorities.

Related Tags

International Criminal Court (ICC) President Duterte Duterte arrest order Harry Roque
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