Salvador Panelo, Now Duterte’s Lawyer in ICC Trial, Speaks on Recent Meeting of Marcos Jr., Robredo
Duterte’s lawyer and former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo asserted his confidence on the presidential bid of Vice President Sara Duterte in 2028.
Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte skipped the confirmation of charges hearing of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He waived his right to personally appear at the hearing saying he does not recognize the jurisdiction of the foreign court over him.
Duterte’s lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, represented him at the confirmation of charges hearing that stretched from February 23 to February 27. To represent the former President, his camp added six (6) Filipino lawyers to his ICC legal team. They are as follows:
- Salvador Medialdea
- Martin Delgra III
- Silvestre Bello III
- Alfredo Lim Jr.
- Caesar Dulay
- Salvador Panelo
Atty. Salvador Medialdea was the former executive secretary of Duterte while Atty. Salvador Panelo was his former chief presidential legal counsel during the former President’s tenure.
The legal team of former Pres. Duterte is confident in the strength of their defense. Recently, while in The Hague, Duterte’s lawyer Salvador Panelo spoke about the recent meeting of Pres. Bongbong Marcos and former Vice President and Naga Mayor Leni Robredo following the announcement of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte that she will run for president in 2028.
Both Robredo and Marcos Jr. denied having political talks during their meeting for the Oplan Kontra Baha. According to the Naga Mayor, it would be a “disservice” to the people if they would talk about politics early.
“Ang dami ko pang trabahong gagawin at marami tayong lahat trabahong gagawin at gaya sa akin, kauupo ko lang bilang mayor. Hindi pa nga one year. Para pag-usapan ‘yung 2028, parang disservice naman ‘yun sa mga tao,” Robredo said.
However, based on News5, Duterte’s lawyer Salvador Panelo claimed that he will not be surprised if Pres. Bongbong Marcos and Naga Mayor Leni Robredo are already talking about politics. According to him, it is allegedly sure that Vice Pres. Sara Duterte will win.
“Talagang delikado sila sa 2028. Kasi nga nakakasiguro na si Inday Sara mananalo ‘yun kapag ‘yun tumakbo, talagang panalo ‘yun,” Panelo claimed.
Based on the post, Atty. Salvador Panelo also claimed that the combined forces of the supporters of the current administration and former Vice President and Naga Mayor Leni Robredo will allegedly not be able to beat the force behind Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.
“Not even the combined forces of the yellows, the pinks, as well as the allies of President Marcos Jr., walang kalaban-laban ‘yun,” Duterte’s lawyer said.
Amid the political issues, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque claimed that former Vice President and Naga Mayor Leni Robredo and the Kakampink may allegedly support Vice Pres. Sara Duterte in her 2028 bid for president.
