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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte's welfare check part of consular duties—DFA

Duterte's welfare check part of consular duties—DFA

Published Sep 25, 2025 01:32 pm
Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman (Screengrab from ICC, ABS-CBN News videos)
Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman (Screengrab from ICC, ABS-CBN News videos)
The welfare check done by officials of the Philippine Embassy in the Hague on former president Rodrigo Duterte was in line with its consular functions and duties, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The DFA confirmed the visit by embassy officials to the former president, who was detained in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, after Vice President Sara Duterte alleged that that visit was ordered by President Marcos and that it endangered her father’s life and safety.

“This is in line with its functions under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and relevant Philippine laws to protect the welfare of all Filipinos,” the DFA said on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

“This is a duty of all Philippine Foreign Service Posts and is no different from what the DFA does for other Filipino citizens who are in detention abroad,” it added.

‘Gross invasion of privacy’

Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lead counsel, claimed that this particular visit—unlike previous visits—were not coordinated with the defense team.

He also raised concern that the visit came after the defense requested for an indefinite adjournment of all legal proceedings regarding the former chief executive’s crimes against humanity of murder case.

The ICC’s pre-trial chamber earlier postponed the Sept. 23 confirmation of charges hearing after the defense claimed that Duterte was unfit to stand trial because of declining cognitive health.
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“The Defence is still obtaining information and considering the appropriate legal avenue to address this gross invasion of privacy and attempt to subvert the legal process by exploiting a detainee’s medical infirmity,” Kaufman said in a statement posted by Alvin & Tourism on Facebook.

“If this visit was as innocent as claimed - which it most certainly was not - then I expect the consulate in The Hague to disclose to the report made in its entirety, I have as of an hour ago - demanded to see this report which is being withheld from me,” he added.

Related Tags

ICC Nicholas Kaufman Rodrigo Duterte DFA welfare check
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