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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte lawyer says Philippine gov't aiding ICC prosecution, won't help defense

Duterte lawyer says Philippine gov't aiding ICC prosecution, won't help defense

Published Apr 24, 2026 08:50 am  |  Updated Apr 24, 2026 02:09 pm
Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman (ICC) | President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Santi San Juan)
Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman (ICC) | President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Santi San Juan)

Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman claimed that the Philippine government under President Marcos is aiding the prosecution in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against former president Rodrigo Duterte and will not assist the defense.

“The Philippine government, headed by President Bongbong Marcos, is not going to help us in any way whatsoever,” Kaufman said when asked by the international media if they would need assistance from the Philippine government.

“It’s been helping the prosecution right from before the time that the former president was surrendered to the court,” he added.

Malacañang has repeatedly distanced itself from Duterte’s case at the ICC. Only on Thursday, April 23, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated that Duterte’s transfer to The Hague was not done to comply with the ICC.

“Ang pagpapadala po kay dating Pangulong Duterte ay hindi naman po para tugunan ang utos ng ICC (The transfer of former President Duterte was not to comply with an ICC order),” she said when asked if the Palace views the ruling as validating the government’s compliance with international obligations.

Castro explained that the move was based on Philippine laws and international obligations through law enforcement channels.

Palace hits back

In response, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Kaufman should focus on his defense and legal strategies, not on President Marcos.

“He is losing track of his case because he keeps monitoring Philippine politics,” she said in a text message to reporters.

“He should do his best for his client, not for the political careers of his client's children,” she added.

Case moves to trial

Kaufman’s remarks came after the ICC confirmed all charges against Duterte, allowing the case to proceed to trial, where the ICC will determine Duterte’s guilt or innocence.

The former president faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the anti-drug campaign.

Despite the development, Kaufman said the defense will continue to contest the charges.

“We will be referring our cross-examination of those witnesses,” he said.

He added that the defense will challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses.

Kaufman also questioned the ICC’s confirmation decision, saying it failed to cite specific evidence.

“I find it rather bizarre and strange… that the chamber didn’t find it necessary to cite any evidence,” he said.

Related Tags

Nicholas Kaufman ICC Rodrigo Duterte President Duterte Malacañang President Marcos Bongbong Marcos
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