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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICC prosecution moves to clarify Duterte legal team; Panelo calls move 'unnecessary, funny'

ICC prosecution moves to clarify Duterte legal team; Panelo calls move 'unnecessary, funny'

Published Apr 26, 2026 01:49 pm
ICC/PCO File photos
ICC/PCO File photos

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution has moved to clarify the composition of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team, seeking to make public a previously redacted defense filing.

In a filing dated April 24, the Office of the Prosecutor asked the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I to reclassify as public a defense response that confirms that six Filipino lawyers are not part of Duterte’s official defense team. 

The prosecution argued that proceedings before the ICC should be public and that there is no valid reason to redact the information.

It said the defense’s justification—to protect the “dignity” of the lawyers—is insufficient to override the principle of transparency.

The filing stressed that making the information public would help avoid confusion and ensure clarity for observers, including potential witnesses and victims. 

The issue stems from earlier impressions that several Filipino lawyers were part of Duterte’s legal team. They are former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra III, former Department of Labor and Employment secretary (DOLE) Silvestre Bello III, former Pagcor president and CEO Alfredo Lim Jr., former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) commissioner Caesar Dulay, and former chief presidential legal counsel and Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo.

The defense had already confirmed in a confidential filing that the six lawyers are not members of the official defense team, but later redacted this information in the public version. 

The prosecution said this should be clarified openly to prevent misinformation.

The ICC prosecution also warned that keeping such details confidential could have a “chilling effect” on witnesses and victims.

It said transparency is necessary to assure them that individuals perceived to be linked to the accused are not formally part of the defense team. 

Panelo: ‘We never claimed’

Panelo, for his part, said the group of Filipino lawyers never claimed to be part of Duterte’s defense team.

“The panel of six Filipino lawyers… has never claimed to be a part of the official defense counsel,” he said.

He explained that they were in The Hague only to observe the confirmation of charges hearing and, if needed, provide insights based on Philippine law.

Panelo described the prosecution’s request as unwarranted.

“It is amusing to learn about the unnecessary and funny request of the ICC Prosecution,” he said.

He suggested that the move may have been prompted by his critical remarks against the ICC’s rulings.

Panelo reiterated that his statements on the case were made as an independent observer.

“I stand by my statements… not as part of the defense team… but as a serious observer,” he said.

He also maintained his position that the ICC proceedings violate the Philippine Constitution and the Rome Statute.

The development comes as Duterte’s case before the ICC continues to move forward following the confirmation of charges.

Related Tags

ICC International Criminal Court Salvador Panelo Rodrigo Duterte President Duterte ICC Prosecution
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