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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Defense team to ICC: PH gov't has no objection to Duterte's possible interim release

Defense team to ICC: PH gov't has no objection to Duterte's possible interim release

Published Sep 27, 2025 09:16 am
Nicholas Kaufman, lead lawyer of former president Rodrigo Duterte in his ICC case (Photo from Alvin & Tourism via Facebook)
Nicholas Kaufman, lead lawyer of former president Rodrigo Duterte in his ICC case (Photo from Alvin & Tourism via Facebook)
The camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte has informed the pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that the Philippine government has no objection to the possibility of the former chief executive’s interim release to a third country.

In a filing on Friday, Sept. 26, Duterte’s counsel Nicholas Kaufman cited the comments made by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro about respecting whatever the ICC’s decision will be.

“This agreement is proffered by Counsel (who was formerly instructed by Mr. Duterte to do all possible to ensure his interim release) in the full understanding that it will apply to any conditions for interim release – a possibility now contemplated without objection by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines which surrendered Mr. Duterte to the International Criminal Court,” the four-page document read.

The document included Castro’s remarks about Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent travels abroad, and her statement that a third country has already agreed to host her father under temporary release from the ICC.

“Her constant travels have born fruit. So, if this is good news for them and whatever the decision of the International Criminal Court, the government of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. will accept it,” a translated version of Castro’s remarks said.

The Vice President did not specify which country agreed to host the former president, only saying it is not Japan. Previously, Australia also stated that it would not host the elder Duterte.

The Duterte camp has filed for an interim release request in June, arguing that the 80-year-old former leader should not be considered a flight risk, but the pre-trial chamber has yet to adjudicate on the request.

He has been detained in ICC’s detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands since March after being extradited there by the Marcos government.

The former chief executive, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity of murder, was supposed to face the confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23 but this was indefinitely postponed by the pre-trial chamber following the defense’s claims that he was unfit to stand trial.

Kaufman also asked for an adjournment of all legal proceedings against the Duterte patriarch because he allegedly has difficulty recalling events, dates, and even some members of his family.

The Vice President, however, repeatedly shared about conversations with her father regarding politics, corruption, and even his personal life.

Related Tags

ICC interim release Rodrigo Duterte Nicholas Kaufman
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