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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte defense calls ICC ruling 'bizarre,' questions lack of evidence

Duterte defense calls ICC ruling 'bizarre,' questions lack of evidence

Published Apr 24, 2026 08:43 am
Former president Rodrigo Duterte's lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman (Photo courtesy of ICC)
Former president Rodrigo Duterte's lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman (Photo courtesy of ICC)

The defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte described the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision confirming charges against him as “bizarre,” questioning the absence of cited evidence in the ruling.

In an interview with the international media in The Hague, lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said the Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed the charges without referencing specific pieces of evidence.

“I can’t even see one piece of evidence cited in the footnotes,” he said.

Kaufman also raised concerns over what he described as a “flexible approach” in defining the charges.

He cited portions of the decision that suggested limiting details such as timing, location, and names of victims.

“What are we facing at trial?” he asked.

Trial now inevitable

Despite his criticisms, Kaufman acknowledged that the case will now proceed.

“We have to be realistic, and we’re facing a trial,” he said.

He added that the defense would seek to appeal the confirmation of charges.

Witnesses to be challenged

Kaufman said the case relies heavily on testimony from cooperating witnesses, which the defense plans to scrutinize.

“This case is built on the testimony of cooperating criminal witnesses… we will question them and show them to be the liars that they are,” he said.

Duterte ‘stoical’

Kaufman said Duterte remained composed after being informed of the decision.

“He’s stoical,” he said, adding that the defense had tempered expectations.

Panelo: ruling ‘expected’

Former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the ruling was not surprising.

“It was a foregone conclusion,” he said, arguing that the ICC had already prejudged the case.

Panelo claimed the charges were based on “speculations, hearsay, double hearsay… and news items.”

He also questioned the ICC’s jurisdiction, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Court and alleged procedural issues.

Related Tags

Nicholas Kaufman ICC Rodrigo Duterte President Duterte Salvador Panelo
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