The family of former President Rodrigo Duterte has named six Filipino lawyers who will attend the upcoming confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) from February 23 to 27, 2026.
The legal team, composed of prominent figures from Duterte administration, travelled to The Hague to ensure the former president is represented by a Filipino counsel during the critical phase of the proceedings.
Leading the delegation is Salvador Medialdea, who served as Executive Secretary under Duterte.
Medialdea is joined by Salvador Panelo, the former Chief Presidential Counsel and presidential spokesperson.
Also part of the team is Silvestre Bello III, who previously headed the Department of Labor and Employment; Martin Delgra III, former chair of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; Alfredo Lim Jr.; and Caesar Dulay, who once led the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
In a statement released on Sunday, the Duterte family said the six-member team would “ensure that the former president is properly represented by a Filipino legal team” during the ICC’s confirmation of charges phase a procedure in which judges determine whether there is sufficient evidence for a case to proceed to trial.
The family also expressed gratitude to the lawyers for their “professionalism and commitment at a critical moment in the case.”
The ICC hearing takes place at its headquarters in The Hague.
The confirmation stage assesses whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to move forward to a full trial.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Monday expressed his support for the former president.
In a statement, Go said he is praying for Duterte’s courage, peace of mind, and good health as he faces the proceedings.
He also asked for divine guidance and wisdom for the former president’s legal team so they may effectively defend him.
The senator likewise prayed for strength and unity within Duterte’s family during what he described as a difficult trial.
“Nawa’y ipagkaloob ng Panginoon ang karunungan at gabay sa kanyang legal team upang buong husay na maipagtanggol si Tatay Digong. Hinihiling ko rin sa Diyos ang patuloy na tibay ng loob at pagkakaisa ng kanyang pamilya sa harap ng pagsubok na ito,” Go said.
Go called on the public to remain calm, trust the legal process, and not lose hope. He emphasized that unity and faith would ultimately help reveal the truth.
