Malacañang has wished lawyer Nicholas Kaufman "all the luck" in his defense for former president Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC), stressing that he will "definitely face" difficulties given that his client has "admitted his acts of killings."
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement after Kaufman claimed that the "only potential hurdle" he foresees in defending Duterte is the political manipulation of the arguments presented during the litigation.
Castro said they understand the opinion of Kaufman, but reminded him that Duterte has "admitted his acts of killings." Thus, he will potentially face difficulties due to the previous admission.
"So, sana malaman po niya iyan (I hope he is made aware of that) and, at the same time, we understand his opinion on this especially that he is representing the suspect, former president Duterte, who admitted his acts of killings," Castro said in Palace briefing on Tuesday, April 8.
"So, it is really … he will definitely face some difficulties in defending his client, if regarding the admissions made by his client. But we wish him all the luck because, still, we have to presume that the suspect is still innocent until proven guilty," Castro added.
The Palace official further said that Kaufman should be made aware of the plight of the families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims during the presidency of Duterte, and know "who manipulates who."
"[S]iguro mas maganda rin po talaga, kasi sinabi niya po na (Perhaps, it would be better, because as he said) political manipulation of arguments, so it is also better for him to know who manipulates who," Castro said.
"[H]e should also be aware of the plight of EJK families of the EJK victims who are now allegedly being harassed by some of the Duterte supporters according to Atty. (Kristina) Conti," Castro added.
Castro also said that they have actually expected Kaufman to defend Duterte in such way, saying "every lawyer desires and aspires to win all his cases for his clients."