Former president Rodrigo Duterte tapped British lawyer Peter Haynes as his new lead legal counsel, following the withdrawal of Nicholas Kaufman from the defense team.

The International Criminal Court disclosed on Tuesday, May 12, that Haynes will take over Kaufman’s role as Duterte’s lead counsel in the crimes against humanity case against the former president.

In a withdrawal request dated May 8, Kaufman said he has spoken to Haynes who has confirmed that "he is ready willing and able to assume immediate representation and that his terms of engagement have been agreed."

According to St. Philips Barristers website, Haynes is a "renowned defence lawyer who always serves in the best interests of the court."

Haynes is also described by Chambers and Partners as "a silk renowned for his expert representation of heads of state and governments in the most serious international criminal cases, including crimes against humanity and genocide."

He practises exclusively in international criminal law and human rights. 

He has also appeared before the ICC and previously, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

The changes in Duterte's legal team came weeks after the ICC confirmed all charges against Duterte, paving the way for a full trial over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.