Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, lead counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, expressed confidence that they have strong legal arguments to halt the International Criminal Court (ICC) case before it proceeds to trial.
Kaufman emphasized that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the case, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the international court before the investigation against Duterte was authorized.
He further argued that the country’s withdrawal from the ICC took effect before the probe officially commenced.
Kaufman remains hopeful that their defense will prevail, potentially preventing the confirmation-of-charges hearing scheduled for September 23, 2025.
Additionally, Kaufman described Duterte’s arrest and swift transfer to the ICC as an act of “kidnapping” and “extrajudicial rendition,” which he claims violates Philippine law.
However, the Philippine government previously clarified that Duterte’s surrender to the ICC was merely in compliance with its obligations to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and does not imply an admission of guilt.