Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque reacted to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s first in-person appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on Wednesday, September 16.
“Walang wheelchair. Walang oxygen at heart beat monitor. Walang drama. Tatak Duterte,” Roque wrote in a social media post.
Hours earlier, Roque also expressed his support for Duterte following the former president’s appearance at the ICC.
“First public appearance of FPRRD at the ICC. We love u! Come home spoon!” he wrote.
Duterte appeared in person at the ICC for the first time since he was arrested in Manila and transferred to The Hague in March 2025. He had previously appeared before the court via video link on November 2025.
The former president attended the third status conference in his crimes against humanity case, where the Trial Chamber III discussed preparations for his trial, including prosecution witnesses, evidence and the proposed trial schedule. The trial is set to begin on November 30.
Duterte, 81, is facing three counts of crimes against humanity linked to alleged killings during his anti-drug campaign and other operations during his time as Davao City mayor and president. He has denied wrongdoing and maintained that his actions were carried out in what he believed was the best interest of the country.
Roque served as Duterte’s presidential spokesperson from 2017 to 2018 and again from 2020 to 2021. He was also appointed presidential adviser on human rights in 2017.
