Roque to be lead counsel of Rodrigo Duterte, ‘Bato’ in possible ICC probe

Lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (File photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesperson and lawyer Harry Roque will serve as Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and former President Rodrigo Duterte’s lead counsel should International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators start its probe into the previous administration’s bloody war on drugs. 

Dela Rosa confirmed the matter to reporters in a press conference on Monday. 

“Si Harry Roque ang aming lead counsel… nandyan si Harry Roque. Siya ang para sa aming dalawa ni [former] President Rodrigo Duterte — siya ang magrerepresent sa amin,” said Dela Rosa. 

(Harry Roque will be our lead counsel.  Harry Roque represent me and former president Rodrigo Duterte.)

Dela Rosa confirmed that he already talked to Roque about circulating reports that ICC investigators are already in the country.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV first disclosed that ICC investigators have gathered sufficient evidence against Duterte, adding that a warrant of arrest will be issued against him soon.

Following Trillanes’ exposé, reporters asked Dela Rosa what Roque’s advice to him, but he said: “It’s too early to divulge it.”

Senator Francis Tolentino, who’s also a lawyer by profession, previously said he would lead Dela Rosa’s legal team should the investigation prosper. 

Dela Rosa said he already “unburdened” Tolentino, who is eyeing for reelection in the 2025 midterm polls. 

Dela Rosa served as chief implementer of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

He is among those mentioned in the crimes against humanity complaint before the ICC.

In February 2022, data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency showed that the number of drug suspects killed in the previous administration’s bloody war on drugs climbed to 6,235.