The legal counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Friday that the core defense team for his International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings has been finalized, and notably, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is not part of it.
Nicholas Kaufman, the British-Israeli lawyer leading Duterte’s defense, confirmed that the core team is now complete, with the names expected to be publicly filed either on Friday or Monday. “The core team is now fully completed… [The names] should be released in a public filing, yes, it should be today (Friday) or maybe Monday,” Kaufman stated.
When asked about the possibility of Roque joining the defense team, Kaufman firmly stated that Roque’s current pursuit of political asylum in the Netherlands renders him incompatible for employment with the ICC. “Harry is seeking political asylum in the Netherlands and that would be wholly incompatible with employment at the Court,” Kaufman said. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Roque, who filed for asylum in March, has been embroiled in controversies, including his alleged involvement in the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). His first public appearance since leaving the country occurred on March 14 in The Hague. Roque has been implicated in the operations of the raided POGO firm, Lucky South 99, based in Porac, Pampanga. He also faced accusations related to his wealth, which prompted the House Quad Committee to cite him in contempt in September 2024 after he failed to submit financial documents justifying his increased assets.
Although he currently has no pending cases in Philippine courts, Roque is under investigation for his possible involvement in human trafficking at Lucky South 99. An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order was also issued against him and others connected to the operations.
Meanwhile, Kaufman revealed that Duterte’s camp plans to request the former president’s interim release when conditions are more favorable. Duterte remains in ICC custody following his arrest on March 11. The next hearing for the confirmation of charges related to crimes against humanity is scheduled for September 23.
The legal developments surrounding Duterte’s ICC case continue to unfold as the defense team solidifies and Roque’s asylum efforts persist.