In a historic achievement for the Philippine legal community, Cebuano attorney Atty. Rameses "Ram" Victorius Gatchalian Villagonzalo has been officially accredited to the International Criminal Court's List of Counsel, marking several significant firsts for the country.
A Trailblazing Achievement
Atty. Villagonzalo has become the first lawyer from Cebu and the entire Visayas region to receive this prestigious international accreditation. He also stands as the sixth Filipino attorney overall to join the elite ICC List of Counsel, placing him among a select group of legal professionals qualified to represent clients before the international tribunal.
The groundbreaking news was confirmed when Villagonzalo received official notification from the ICC on November 27, 2025. In an exclusive interview with SunStar Cebu the following day, the accomplished lawyer shared his emotional reaction to the life-changing news.
The Rigorous Application Journey
The accreditation process spanned nearly eight months of intensive evaluation, beginning when Villagonzalo submitted his application documents on April 4, 2025. The journey involved multiple assessment stages, each requiring meticulous preparation and documentation.
"It took almost eight months. When I received the email on Nov. 27, I was speechless for a few minutes," Villagonzalo revealed during the interview. After submitting his initial documents, he successfully passed the preliminary evaluation, followed by a second round of comprehensive assessment.
The lawyer admitted maintaining "some emotional reservation" about the potential outcome, given the stringent nature of ICC accreditation standards. However, his persistence and qualifications ultimately prevailed, culminating in the confirmation received earlier this week.
Commitment to International Justice
Villagonzalo expressed his unwavering commitment to serving with justice, integrity, and ethical standards in any assignment the ICC might entrust to him. "My commitment is to serve with justice, integrity and ethics and it will always guide me," he stated emphatically.
The newly accredited counsel explained that responsibilities for ICC-accredited attorneys vary depending on the Court's needs. The ICC may call upon members of the List of Counsel to serve in various capacities, including as special defense counsel, additional prosecution support, or as part of groups assisting the Office of the Prosecutor.
While uncertain if other Filipino lawyers are currently applying for ICC accreditation, Villagonzalo noted that the process remains rigorous and time-consuming, requiring exceptional legal expertise and international law proficiency.
The ICC List of Counsel comprises qualified attorneys from diverse jurisdictions worldwide who may be appointed to represent suspects, accused persons, or victims in proceedings before the Court. This accreditation represents not only a personal achievement for Villagonzalo but also a significant milestone for the Philippine legal profession's growing international presence.
