A lawyer supporting the defense of former President Rodrigo Duterte has questioned aspects of the process before the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the case has political implications and involves procedures unfamiliar in the Philippine justice system.

In an exclusive interview on DZRH Balansyado, lawyer Martin Delgra, who was among the Filipino lawyers present during hearings in The Hague, said the prosecution had sought clarification about the role of six Filipino lawyers who attended the proceedings from the gallery.

Delgra said the defense team clarified that no confidential information was shared with them.

“There was none… he invokes a confidentiality rule of the ICC,” Delgra said, referring to defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman.

He explained that while they were not formally part of the defense team, they monitored the hearings and offered assistance when requested.

“We are just there to support whatever way and monitor the events and the hearing,” Delgra said.

Delgra also noted that ICC procedures differ significantly from Philippine court practices, citing strict restrictions even for visitors wishing to see detainees.

“Hindi po makakabisita kahit na sino doon… parang naga-apply ng visa,” he said, describing the lengthy application process required just to visit Duterte.

He added that during discussions with an ICC lawyer, he was told that cases before the court often carry political dimensions.

“All cases filed before the ICC are always political… this case is no different,” Delgra said.

Despite the ongoing proceedings abroad, Delgra maintained that the Philippine justice system remains capable of handling cases related to alleged extrajudicial killings, noting that investigations had already been initiated by the Department of Justice.