Duterte’s counsel Salvador Medialdea hospitalized in The Hague

Philippine former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea is rushed to a hospital in The Hague, Netherlands on March 18, 2025. ROBIN PADILLA

Salvador Medialdea, the lead counsel for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in his International Criminal Court (ICC) case, was rushed to a hospital in The Hague on Tuesday (March 18). The 73-year-old former executive secretary was set to visit Duterte at the ICC Detention Center on Tuesday morning when he fell ill, according to a statement from the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands. "While registering at the reception counter at around 8:55am, Atty. Medialdea fell ill," the embassy said. "An embassy official, who accompanied him to the Detention Center, immediately called for medical attention, which was provided by a Detention Center medic." Medialdea is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in The Hague, where he is accompanied by a close relative. The severity of his condition has not been disclosed.

Exhaustion and pressure

Senator Robin Padilla, who is also in the Netherlands, first shared the news on his Facebook page, posting photos of Medialdea in a wheelchair and later being carried on a stretcher. “He has not slept for days… He’s exhausted, for his age, especially with all the pressure on his shoulders,” Padilla said in Filipino in a Facebook Live video. He added that Medialdea fainted at least three times before being rushed to the hospital. Padilla also called for prayers for Medialdea’s recovery. "As’alu Allah al ‘azim rabbil ‘arshil azim an yashifika. I ask Allah, the Mighty, the Lord of the Mighty Throne, to cure you," he wrote. When asked about Medialdea’s hospitalization, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said the court had no official statement on the matter. “I have no information but in general, we do not comment on private life matters,” El Abdallah told reporters. Medialdea is part of Duterte’s legal team for the ICC proceedings, where the former president is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his controversial war on drugs. Duterte was arrested last week at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila before being flown to The Hague. His pre-trial hearing took place on March 14, and the confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23. Before then, Duterte has the option to appeal for interim release. ICA/Expat Media