Atty. Salvador Medialdea, former Executive Secretary under the Duterte administration, was rushed to the hospital from Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands, at about 9:00 a.m. (Netherlands time) today. Medialdea was accompanied by Senator Robin Padilla, who serves as his guardian during his stay abroad.
As of this writing, there has been no official confirmation regarding the reason behind Medialdea’s hospitalization. Authorities have yet to disclose any details about his medical condition or the circumstances that led to his emergency transport.
Medialdea is currently part of the legal team assembled to defend former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his controversial war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths during his six-year term.
Senator Robin Padilla, known for his close ties to the Duterte administration, has been accompanying Medialdea in The Hague. Padilla has been vocal about his support for Duterte and his belief that the former president’s actions during the drug war were justified in maintaining peace and order in the Philippines.
The Scheveningen Prison, a facility that houses individuals involved in international trials and investigations, is where Medialdea had been staying while assisting Duterte’s defense team. It is also the same detention center where former world leaders and political figures have been held during ICC proceedings.
While no official updates have been provided about Medialdea’s condition, sources close to the legal team have expressed concern over his sudden hospitalization. The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with Dutch authorities.
Duterte’s legal battle with the ICC has been a source of tension between the Philippines and the international community. Duterte has consistently refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the ICC, arguing that the Philippines is no longer a member of the court after withdrawing in 2019. However, the ICC maintains that it still has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a member.
As the situation unfolds, the Philippine public and supporters of the former president are awaiting further updates on Medialdea’s condition and the impact this development may have on Duterte’s ongoing case at the ICC.