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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Kaufman still enjoys VP Sara's trust, confidence as father's ICC trial nears

Kaufman still enjoys VP Sara's trust, confidence as father's ICC trial nears

Published Aug 12, 2025 09:29 am
Amid alleged tensions inside the Duterte camp, Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed her trust and confidence on Nicholas Kaufman, the lead counsel of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Vice President Sara Duterte and lawyer Nicholas Kaufman (Photos courtesy of Alvin & Tourism)
Vice President Sara Duterte and lawyer Nicholas Kaufman (Photos courtesy of Alvin & Tourism)
Speaking on the sidelines of the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City on Monday, Aug. 11, the official reiterated that Kaufman was handpicked by her father personally.

“Of course, yes,” she responded when asked if the British-Israeli lawyer still has her trust and confidence.

“Kasi siya yung pinili ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na lawyer. So we only follow kung ano yung choice ng client (He was chosen by former president Rodrigo Duterte as his lawyer. So we only follow the choice of the client),” she said.

“So, as long as nagsabi si dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na yan ang aking mga abogado, susunod kami and mag-cooperate kami kung anong kailangan yung legal team (So, as long as former president Rodrigo Duterte says that he is my lawyer, we will follow and we will cooperate what the legal team needs),” the younger Duterte added.

The Vice President’s remarks came amid perceived tensions inside the Duterte camp as Kaufman and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque clashed over how to handle the elder Duterte’s crimes against humanity case.

The official, however, refused to give details about her father’s case, which has pending petitions for a jurisdiction challenge and interim release that the defense itself has requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to defer rulings on.

“I think it's best if you ask Atty. Kaufman. Ang pagkakaalam ko, nagbibigay naman siya ng mga media interviews at sumasagot naman siya sa mga questions (As far as I know, he grants media interview and he answers questions),” she said.

“Hindi kasi ako pwedeng mag-explain para kay Atty. Kaufman sa kanyang mga preparations at mga ginagawa sa case ni former president Duterte sa ICC (I cannot explain for Atty. Kaufman about his preparations and what he’s doing in the case of former president Duterte in the ICC),” she added.

Related Tags

ICC Nicholas Kaufman VP Sara Duterte Rodrigo Duterte
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