Sara Duterte, Harry Roque, and Robin Padilla Arrive at ICC
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MARCH 14,2025
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Vice President Sara Duterte, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, and Senator Robin Padilla arrived at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague ahead of the highly anticipated trial of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. Their visit comes as the ICC prepares to present charges of crimes against humanity related to the Philippine drug war.
Sara Duterte Seeks Privacy as ICC Moves Forward with Duterte’s Case
In a brief statement, Sara Duterte requested privacy as they conducted their work. She assured the media that she would provide interviews at a later time. Meanwhile, Dutch authorities investigated reports of a planned protest outside the ICC. Harry Roque, a lawyer for Duterte’s defense team, confirmed the demonstration but did not disclose further details.
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Roque Moves to Delay ICC Hearing, Challenges Duterte’s Arrest
Harry Roque, who recently left the Philippines after being linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) scandal, announced his intention to delay Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC hearing.
He argued that former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea remains the only lawyer the International Criminal Court officially recognizes. However, Roque and a British legal expert have requested to join Duterte’s legal defense team.
“So ipagpaliban niyo na ngayon kasi di pa namin nakikita ang dating presidente. Buong araw kahapon, hindi siya nakita dahil umano binigyan siya ng medical examination,” Roque said. (So the ICC should postpone the proceedings because we have yet to see the former president. The whole day yesterday, we were unable to see him because he was reportedly given a medical examination.)
Roque also questioned the legality of Duterte’s arrest, insisting that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
“I don’t know if I can be registered in time for the hearing today. However, if I am recognized—and I’m not sure yet because we just did all the paperwork—I will also raise the issue of the illegal arrest of Rodrigo Duterte,” Roque added.
Duterte Held at Scheveningen Prison, Faces Crimes Against Humanity Charges
After visiting the ICC, Sara Duterte, Roque, and Padilla proceeded to the Hague Penitentiary Institution (Scheveningen Prison), where Rodrigo Duterte remains in custody.
According to an AFP report, the 79-year-old former Philippine president will appear before ICC judges to hear the charges of crimes against humanity and his legal rights as a defendant. The ICC pre-trial chamber issued an arrest warrant, stating that Duterte’s war on drugs resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.
The warrant alleges that under Duterte’s leadership, the Duterte Death Squad (DDS) and Philippine law enforcement carried out targeted killings of suspected drug offenders. Government records confirm that police operations resulted in at least 6,200 deaths between June 2016 and November 2021. However, human rights organizations estimate the actual toll could reach 30,000 or more, including unreported extrajudicial killings.
ICC Hearing Marks a Pivotal Moment in Duterte’s Legal Battle
As the world watches The Hague, this landmark ICC case represents a crucial moment for human rights, international justice, and accountability. Will Duterte face the consequences for thousands of drug war deaths, or will his defense team successfully delay or dismiss the charges?
Stay updated as the ICC proceedings against Rodrigo Duterte unfold.
This article Sara Duterte, Harry Roque, and Robin Padilla was originally published in GMA News Online.
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