News in Europe
Final Glimpse of Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY — Before sealing the Pope’s coffin, it was the final moment for the faithful to gaze upon his beloved face- a recognizable face all over the world. It was a moment of silent farewell to t... ...more
By: RCEM Global
April 25, 2025•2 min read
Mga Pilipino sa Italy, Nagdadalamhati sa Pagpanaw ng Santo Papa
Nagpahayag ng matinding dalamhati ang mga Pilipino sa Milan sa pagpanaw ni Pope Francis, na itinuturing nilang huwaran ng kababaang-loob, malasakit, at pananampalataya. Nagbalik-tanaw din si Jay Retu... ...more
By: Mye Mulingtapang, Maricel Burgonio, Italy
April 23, 2025•4 min read
Click to Vote: Filipinos in Italy React to Historic First Day of Online Voting for 2025 Elections
MILAN– Overseas voting began on April 13 at 8:00 a.m. and will run until May 12 at 7:00 p.m., synchronized with the end of voting hours in the Philippines, according to the Commission on Elections (CO... ...more
By: Mye Mulingtapang, Italy
April 22, 2025•4 min read
Sede Vacante: Pope Francis Dies at 88, Leaving the Sacred Chair of St. Peter Empty
The supreme leader of the Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome died on Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. He was 88, and had suffered double pneumonia this year, but h... ...more
By Mye Mulingtapang, A.I. and Maricel Burgonio TFCN Manila and Italy
April 21, 2025•4 min read
Pope Francis Dies at 88 in Vatican
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio and leader of the Roman Catholic world, passed away, according to the Vatican. He was 88. ...more
By: Maricel Burgonio, Italy
April 21, 2025•0 min read
KILALANIN: 3 Pilipinong Kardinal na Kabilang sa Pagpili ng Santo Papa
VATICAN CITY — Tatlong Pilipinong kardinal ang kinumpirmang kwalipikado upang lumahok sa darating na conclave. Ito ang lihim na pagtitipon ng mga kardinal para sa pagpili ng bagong Santo Papa kasunod ... ...more
By: Mye Mulingtapang, Italy
April 20, 2025•2 min read
The ICC Docket: Duterte’s Journey from Manila to The Hague
By: Jofelle Tesorio, TFCN The Netherlands
April 7, 2025
Photo Source: ICC / pcoo.gov.ph
In 2017, the Magdalo group—led by Senator Antonio Trillanes and Representative Gary Alejano—filed a case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Additional submissions were later made by human rights organizations, NGOs, and families of victims of drug-related killings during Duterte’s tenure as both Davao City mayor and President of the Philippines.
Chronology of events, as documented and researched by The Filipino Correspondent Network (TFCN):
March 7, 2025
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issued an arrest warrant for former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for crimes against humanity—specifically murder—allegedly committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, within the Philippines.
March 11
Duterte returned from Hong Kong and was immediately arrested through a request coordinated by Interpol.
Just hours later, Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa filed a last-minute petition before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking his immediate release and urging the court to stop the Philippine government from cooperating with the ICC investigation.
At 11 p.m. (Manila time), Duterte boarded a chartered flight to The Hague, Netherlands.
Supporters held candlelight vigils in London and other European cities.
March 12
The Gulfstream G550 (RP-C5219) carrying Duterte landed at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport shortly before 5 p.m. (CET) after a stopover in Dubai, where his departure was delayed due to medical checks.
Roughly two hours after landing, two tinted vehicles—one believed to be carrying Duterte—arrived at the ICC detention center in Scheveningen.
Outside the ICC, both Duterte supporters and human rights advocates gathered—supporters showing solidarity, while activists called for justice and accountability.
The Supreme Court dismissed the urgent petition challenging Duterte’s arrest.
The Philippine Embassy in The Hague provided consular support per instructions from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Vice President Sara Duterte arrived later that evening via an Emirates flight.
Duterte issued a Power of Attorney appointing former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as one of his legal counsels.
March 13
Medialdea attempted to visit Duterte, amid confusion about the latter’s exact whereabouts.
ICC spokesperson Fadi El-Abdallah confirmed that Duterte was in custody and had undergone standard medical checks.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said the court had reasonable grounds for the arrest and affirmed its jurisdiction over the case.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I scheduled Duterte’s initial hearing for March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
March 14
Duterte made his first court appearance via video link from the ICC detention center due to the long journey.
Pre-Trial Chamber I is composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc, Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, and Judge Socorro Flores Liera.
The confirmation of charges hearing was provisionally set for September 23, 2025.
Medialdea represented Duterte in court.
Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Robin Padilla, and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque were in attendance.
Roque announced plans to enlist British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman as lead counsel, with himself and Medialdea as part of the legal team.
VP Sara addressed the crowd gathered outside the ICC.
March 17
Medialdea visited Duterte at the detention center.
March 18
During a scheduled visit, Medialdea fell ill and was taken to a hospital via ambulance.
The Philippine Embassy confirmed he received immediate medical attention.
The Chamber formally announced Nicholas Kaufman as Duterte’s lead counsel.
Kaufman expressed confidence in Duterte’s defense, hinting that an early acquittal was possible.
March 19
VP Sara announced that Roque would no longer be part of her father’s legal team due to complications involving his asylum application in the Netherlands.
Roque had reappeared publicly for the first time in over six months at Duterte’s court hearing.
Kaufman began forming the full defense team.
March 21
ICC judges instructed both prosecution and defense to submit observations and address preliminary issues before the confirmation hearing.
March 23
A large gathering of Duterte supporters was held at Malieveld, The Hague, with attendees from across Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates and lawyers representing victims of extrajudicial killings held a press conference demanding justice.
March 26
The ICC prosecutor’s office released 181 pieces of evidence cited in the arrest warrant to Duterte’s legal team.
Honeylet Avanceña and daughter Veronica visited the detention center but were unable to see Duterte.
Veronica spoke to supporters, thanking them for their continued support.
March 28
Duterte’s 80th birthday was marked with a Filipino-style potluck celebration outside the detention center.
VP Sara led the festivities and blew out candles on her father’s behalf.
Honeylet Avancena, partner of the ex-president and her daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte were
finally able to visit
Duterte after two failed attempts.
Veronica shared a heartfelt message.
Human rights groups held a separate memorial for EJK victims and launched the
Duterte Panagutin Network
in The Hague.
In the Philippines, similar gatherings were held by Duterte supporters, while victims’ families renewed calls for justice.
March 29–30
Supporters continued birthday celebrations outside the ICC facility.
March 31
Kaufman visited Duterte and gave an interview asserting that the ICC lacked jurisdiction due to the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
The ICC maintained that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a State Party.
April 1
VP Sara, Veronica, and Honeylet Avanceña visited Duterte together, allowing him to see both daughters in person.
In a rare interview together outside the ICC detention, the sisters spoke about unity and finding strength during difficult times.
April 4
VP Sara revealed her father’s words:
“I did it for my country.”
She concluded her work for the legal team and submitted the final required document to the ICC.
April 6
After three weeks in the Netherlands, VP Sara Duterte returned to Manila, having fulfilled both personal and legal responsibilities related to her father’s case.
Who Is the New Lawyer on Duterte’s Legal Team?
By: Jofelle Tesorio, TFCN The Netherlands
April 8, 2025
Photo Source: FB Dov Jacobs
The Hague - Dov Jacobs, recently appointed as associate counsel for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, is best known for his role in representing Laurent Gbagbo, the former president of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), whose case was acquitted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
A trial chamber at the ICC acquitted Gbagbo and his co-accused, Charles Blé Goudé, of crimes against humanity related to post-election violence in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010-2011. Though the case concluded with acquittals in 2019, it spanned nearly 10 years, from the arrest warrant to the final ruling in 2021.
Jacobs has also represented Mahamat Said, a former commander of the Séléka rebel group in the Central African Republic, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the CAR Civil War. His trial began in September 2022, where Said pleaded not guilty.
On April 7, 2025, the ICC Registry officially announced Jacobs’ appointment as associate counsel for Duterte.
According to Jacobs’ blog, Spreading The Jam, he is an expert in international criminal law, human rights, and public international law, with over 15 years of experience. He is currently serving as a defense trial lawyer at the ICC.
In addition to his work on the Gbagbo and Said cases at the ICC and the Félicien Kabuga case at the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT), Jacobs has contributed as an Amicus Curiae in the Afghanistan and Palestine situations at the ICC.
Jacobs also lectures at universities such as Leiden (Netherlands) and Lille (France), and provides training for ICC counsel as part of the ICC Bar Association’s Training Committee. He lives in South Holland, Netherlands, and is originally from Mours, France.
He founded Strategic International Legal Consulting, which offers legal advice and consultancy on international law, human rights, and criminal law, alongside providing training to professionals and organizations.
During Duterte’s initial appearance before the ICC on March 14, Jacobs expressed concerns on LinkedIn, questioning whether Duterte’s rights were respected under Article 59 of the Rome Statute, given his lack of presentation before a domestic judge prior to his ICC surrender. He further criticized the ICC’s monitoring of domestic conduct and its jurisdiction regarding the war on drugs investigation, especially after the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.
Jacobs has advanced degrees in law from King’s College London, Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris II Panthéon-Assas, and a political science degree from Sciences Po Paris. He completed his PhD at the European University Institute in Florence. His academic work includes research on hybrid tribunals and international criminal justice.
He has published several articles, including “A Samson at the International Criminal Court: The Powers of the Prosecutor at the Pre-Trial Phase” (2007), “Positivism and International Criminal Law: The Principle of Legality as a Rule of Conflict of Theories” (2012), and “The Frog That Wanted to Be an Ox: The ICC’s Approach to Immunities and Cooperation” (2015)
Pope Update: Pope Francis, Sorpresang Lumabas sa St Peter’s Square Para sa Kanyang Homily
By: Maricel Burgonio, TFCN Italy
April 6, 2025
Photo Source: Vatican News
Pope Francis, sorpresang lumabas sa St Peter’s Square para sa kanyang homily
Makalipas ang 13 araw năng makalabas ng ospital, sorpresang lumabas si Pope Francis sa St. Peter’s Square ngayong Linggo para sa kanyang homily na ‘Jubilee of the Sick and the Healthcare Workers’ at binati ang mga dumalo sa misa.
Binasa ni Archbishop Fisichella ang homily ni Pope: “We don’t relegate those who are fragile” and their pain, far from our lives. The Bishop of Rome trusts to share with the sick, at this moment “the experience of illness, of feeling weak, of depending on others”
"The sickbed can become a holy place, where charity burns away indifference and gratitude nourishes hope,” ayon kay Pope.
"Have a good Sunday, and thank you very much” sabi ni Pope sa kanyang pagbati sa mga dumalo ng misa.
Patuloy na nagpapagaling si Pope Francis sa sakit na bilateral pneumonia simula ng maospital sa Gemelli Hospital sa Rome noong Pebrero 14.
Ina ng Murder Suspect sa Rome, Tumulong Umano sa Pagtago ng Ebidensya
By: Mye Mulingtapang, TFCN Italy
April 8, 2025
Photo Source: Courtesy of ANSA, Photo of Sula and Samson courtesy of Il Messaggero
ROME, ITALY -Inamin ng ina ni Mark Anthony Samson na tumulong sya sa pagtago ng ebidensya sa pagpatay umano ng kanyang anak sa dating nobya.
Ayon sa ulat ng ANSA (Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata), isang national news agency sa Italya, inamin ni Nors Manlapaz, ina ng suspek, sa pulisya na tumulong siyang linisin ang bahay at alisin ang mga bakas ng dugo matapos patayin ng kanyang anak ang dating nobya na si Ilaria Sula, 22- anyos, sa pamamagitan ng pagsaksak.
“L’ho aiutato a pulire casa, a cancellare le tracce di tutto quel sangue” (“Tinulungan ko siyang linisin ang bahay, alisin ang mga bakas ng dugo”), ayon sa kanyang pahayag sa mahigit tatlong oras na interogasyon sa Questura o police headquarters ng Roma.
Dahil sa kanyang pag-amin, pormal na siyang sinampahan ng kasong pakikipagsabwatan sa pagtago ng bangkay.
Ayon sa imbestigasyon, nasa bahay ang ina sa oras ng krimen. Ginamit rin ng mga imbestigador ang mga mensahe sa cellphone ni Manlapaz upang patunayan ang kanyang presensya sa lugar ng krimen.
Ginamit rin ng mga imbestigador ang mga mensahe sa cellphone ni Manlapaz upang patunayan ang kanyang presensya sa lugar ng krimen.
Unang sinabi ni Samson na wala itong kasabwat sa krimen na hindi kapani-paniwala sa pulisya.
Batay sa ulat, sinaksak ni Samson sa leeg si Sula noong March 26, bandang alas-11 ng umaga, gamit ang kitchen knife matapos makakita ang dating nobyo ng mensahe mula sa ibang lalaki sa cellphone nito.
Kasunod nito, tinulungan umano siya ng kanyang ina na linisin ang bahay at posibleng tumulong rin sa paglalagay ng bangkay sa loob ng maleta.
Tinapon ni Samson ang maletang may bangkay bandang alas-2 ng hapon sa isang bangin sa Poli, mahigit isang oras ang layo mula Roma.
Sa detalye ng imbestigasyon, nagtungo si Sula sa bahay ng suspek noong Marso 25 upang kunin ang mga naiwang mga damit at iba pang personal na gamit.
Ayon sa imbestigasyon, pinatulog umano ni Samson ang dating nobya sa bahay kung saan kasama rin naninirahan ang mga magulang.
Kinagabihan, nagpadala pa ang biktima ng huling mensahe sa isang kaibigan, kung saan sinabi niyang nasa bahay siya ni Samson.
Kinabukasan, Marso 26, nadiskubre umano ni Samson ang mga mensahe mula sa isang lalaki sa cellphone ng biktima na naging mitsa ng pananaksak ng suspek.
Nagtamo si Sula ng tatlong malalalim na saksak sa leeg, isa pang mababaw na sugat sa parehong bahagi, at ilang sugat sa mga braso.
Kasalukuyang nakakulong si Samson sa Regina Coeli at nahaharap sa kasong aggravated voluntary homicide.
Patuloy pa ring iniimbestigahan ang posibleng papel ng ama, na ayon sa ulat ay wala sa bahay noong naganap ang krimen.
Ayon sa abogado ni Samson na si Paolo Foti, "Labis ang dalamhati ng mga magulang ng binata, hindi makapaniwala, gulat, takot, at taos-pusong humihingi ng kapatawaran sa lahat ng nangyari."
Duterte Presses Sara on ICC Defense Plans; Victim's Lawyers Gear Up to Strike Back
By: Jofelle Tesorio, TFCN The Netherlands
March 24, 2025
Photo Source: Jofelle Tesorio
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS (March 23, 2025): Former President Rodrigo Duterte
discussed timelines and legal strategy with his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte,
during their most recent conversation last week.
Vice President Duterte revealed this in a brief interview with the media following her speech
to supporters at Malieveld Park in The Hague on Sunday, March 23. She also shared that
her father is doing well at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center.
“He asked about timelines and legal strategy, as well as small personal requests like his
clothes and Diet Coke,” she said. During her speech, she humorously shared that her father
jokingly asked the detention facility staff for two Coke Zero cases, eliciting laughter from the
crowd. “Tumigil na siya sa kakahingi ng Pinoy na ulam dahil parang hindi yata kaya noong
nagluluto sa loob ang Pinoy na ulam (He has stopped asking for Filipino food because it
seems the cook inside cannot prepare Filipino dishes),” she added, noting that her father is
now content with how the rice is prepared in the facility. She also sent a PDF file of Filipino
recipes to help the cook learn.
When asked about the legal strategy, she deferred to the legal team, stating, “Unfortunately,
I cannot talk about the case. Only Atty. Nicholas Kaufman can discuss what he and his
team plan to do.”
The Vice President added that her father remains confident in the legal arguments,
asserting that “what was done to him was wrong” and that “there is no case to begin with.”
When asked if her father is contesting all charges, she replied, “That is what I understand
from former President Duterte. But that is another matter regarding the legal strategy.”
Addressing a large crowd of Filipinos from across Europe—including Germany, Belgium,
Norway, the UK, Ireland, and Luxembourg—she began her speech with personal anecdotes
about her relationship with her father, his emphasis on the importance of education, and her
journey to becoming a lawyer. She also expressed gratitude to their supporters, the
organizers, the Dutch foreign affairs ministry, and the municipality of The Hague. However,
she also touched on corruption and irregularities in the Philippines during her speech.
Meanwhile, earlier on Sunday, March 23, in another part of The Hague, lawyers
representing victims of extrajudicial killings in the crimes against humanity cases filed
against Duterte at the ICC stated that they are prepared for the discovery and disclosure
process.
In a press conference, Kristina Conti, one of the victims’ lawyers, said that the ICC’s pre-
trial chamber has already set deadlines for the prosecution to provide the defense with
certain information on the evidence. “In turn, Duterte is also being asked for certain
information that would be important for the prosecution as well. By April 11, 2025, he must
indicate whether he will invoke grounds to exclude criminal responsibility. This means he
has to inform the court if he intends to invoke insanity, incapacity, self-preservation, duress,
alibi, and the like,” she said. Conti emphasized that this is part of the process leading up to
the confirmation of charges on September 23, 2025.
Lean Jimenez of Bayan-Europe said that this is a rare opportunity for victims to achieve
justice, especially in a justice-deprived country such as the Philippines.
Lawyers and human rights groups emphasized that the ICC case is not a battle between
kasamaan (evil) and kadiliman (darkness). Instead, they expressed hope that kabutihan
(goodness) will play a role and prevail.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was served a warrant of arrest by the ICC on March 11,
2025, on charges of crimes against humanity. He was flown to the Netherlands the same
day, arriving in the late afternoon of March 12. On March 14, he made his initial appearance
via video link from the detention facility before the Court’s pre-trial chamber. The
confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled from September 23-26, 2025.
An ICC release stated:
“The purpose of the confirmation of charges hearing is for the judges to determine whether
there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the suspects
committed each of the crimes charged. Only if the charges are confirmed, in full or in part,
will the case be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of
the proceedings: the trial.”
Austro-Pinoy Vincent Bueno Shines in New Musical at Metropol
By: Hector Pascua, TFCN Vienna
February 24, 2025
Photo Source: krone.at/picture: canva.com/hpascua
Vienna- Vincent Bueno, a prominent Austro-Filipino artist, captivated audiences with his latest
performance in the exciting new musical “Bring Me Edelweiss—The Musical of the 80s,” which
premiered at the Metropol in Vienna on 12 February. Taking on the role of Jojo, a Filipino
character who embodies the spirit of the Viennese culture, Bueno’s participation in this
production is a testament to his versatile talent and ability to bridge cultures through art.
Embracing the Character
Playing Jojo’s role requires more than acting; it necessitates a deep understanding and
integration of Viennese culture. Bueno expressed his challenges, stating, “I had to learn a lot of
sayings and the typical Viennese accent. I grew up with it in Vienna, but it’s still something
different because, as a child with a migrant background, you still can’t speak it like that,” he said.
This statement sheds light on the unique perspective Bueno brings to his character, emphasizing
the nuances of identity that often accompany immigrant experiences.
Musical Background
“Bring Me Edelweiss” is a vibrant homage to the 1980s, immersing viewers in an era
characterized by flashy outfits, iconic music, and a distinctive lifestyle. Under the direction of
Peter Hofbauer and along with Austrian author Markus Gull, this musical blends humour with a
nostalgic look back at a transformative decade in music and fashion.
Elements of the Musical
1. Flashy Outfits: The musical’s visual aspects are designed to transport the audience back to
the 1980s, evident through the colorful costumes and retro aesthetics.
2. Iconic Sounds: The score features hits from the Austropop and Neue Deutsche Welle genres,
drawing audiences into the era’s sound.
3. Storyline: Central to the plot are a Viennese comedy duo and two singers from Munich who
aspire to conquer the music charts. Thus, personal ambition is intertwined with comedic twists.
The Journey of Discovery
Bueno’s journey into the world of Austropop and Neue Deutsche Welle is particularly noteworthy.
He admits, “As a Filipino Austrian, I didn’t really come into contact with Austropop and Neue
Deutsche Welle as a child, but rather with American music. That’s why it was a change for me
now to find a sound where the voice doesn’t sound too perfect; you don’t have to sing Austropop
in an aesthetically beautiful way, but rather feel it,” he said. This reflection highlights the artist’s
adaptability and growth as he embraces new musical influences.
An Invitation to Audience
Vincent eagerly inspires audiences with his compelling portrayal in “Bring Me Edelweiss.” He
invites all to experience this lively musical adventure, exuding enthusiasm and confidence in
what he describes as a “feel-good” production that promises to entertain and resonate with
viewers from various backgrounds.
Vincent Bueno’s role in “Bring Me Edelweiss—The Musical of the 80s” at the Metropol
underscores the power of art to bridge cultural divides. Through his journey of learning and self-
discovery, he embodies the evolving identity of a multicultural artist.
The musical serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of experiences that shape individual
narratives and the shared cultural landscape.
The musical had a limited run until 22 March 2025.
In Photos
LONDON
House of iKons
By: Portia Delgado
Photos that Speak Volumes: Photojournalist Portia Delgado Captures the Glamour, Grit, and Glory of the House of iKons Fashion Show During London Fashion Week.
February 2025
MILAN
MILAN FASHION WEEK
By: Maricel Burgonio
Filipino Designer Louis Pangilinan in Milan Fashion Week
Photos By: Jomari Ebora
March 4, 2025
© The Filipino Correspondent Network 2025. All Rights Reserved.