THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed the appointment of a new member to the legal team of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges related to crimes against humanity.
In a document dated April 7, the ICC Registry announced that Atty. Dov Jacobs has been designated as associate counsel for Duterte.
This comes after lead counsel Atty. Nicholas Kaufman filed a request on April 2 for Jacobs to formally join the defense team.
Jacobs’ appointment was approved by the ICC Registry on April 3, following his formal acceptance of the role.
On April 7, Jacobs also signed the solemn undertakings required under the ICC’s Code of Professional Conduct for Counsel.
DEFENSE TEAM LACKS FILIPINO REPRESENTATION
Despite the significance of the case, Duterte’s official defense team includes no Filipino lawyers. However, Kaufman told one media source that several Filipino legal professionals are providing behind-the-scenes support.
“There are many Filipino lawyers who want to help and are helping, at the goodness of their hearts,” he said, though he declined to name them.
Atty. Salvador Medialdea, Duterte’s former executive secretary, represented him during his initial appearance at the ICC on March 14.
However, Vice President Sara Duterte had previously stated that Medialdea would step aside once the defense team had been finalized.
Notably absent from the legal lineup is former presidential spokesperson and ICC practitioner Atty. Harry Roque.
According to Kaufman, Roque is currently seeking political asylum in the Netherlands, which renders him ineligible for official court employment.
“Harry is seeking political asylum in The Netherlands, and that would be wholly incompatible with employment at the Court,” Kaufman said last week. VP Sara Duterte also noted that Roque should focus on his asylum process rather than legal representation.
“I Will Fight for Duterte Until the End” – Lead Counsel
Kaufman has affirmed his commitment to Duterte’s defense, stating his readiness to remain on the case through its conclusion.
“Clients sometimes change lawyers, but I’m here to stay. I will fight for Mr. Duterte until the end,” he said.
Kaufman was previously released from representing Central African Republic militia leader Maxime Mokom due to a conflict of interest, as his other cases reportedly overlapped with Mokom’s.
VP Sara Duterte Wraps Up Legal Coordination in The Hague
Vice President Sara Duterte concluded a three-week stay in The Hague, where she coordinated the finalization of her father’s legal defense team.
“My work here is done,” she told reporters and supporters before flying back to Manila.
She shared that a schedule had been organized for legal counsel and family members to visit the former president, who is currently detained at the ICC’s Scheveningen facility.
VP Sara said their family has arranged a rotation for who will stay with or visit Duterte over the next two months. Her half-sister Veronica “Kitty” Duterte is currently in the Netherlands with their mother Honeylet Avanceña.
Their brother, Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, is expected to arrive next.
The family is also finalizing the arrival schedule for another sibling, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, to ensure someone is always present to support the former president.
Family to Shoulder Expenses, Rejects Donations
Asked about the cost of overseas visits, VP Sara said the family has agreed not to seek or accept financial assistance.
“We haven’t really discussed it in detail, but we all have jobs. Honeylet runs businesses. I have a salary and other income. Pulong has a job, and so does Baste. So, it’s KKB—kanya-kanyang bayad (everyone pays their own way),” she said.
“If we have to sell our possessions to support this, then so be it,” she added.
Former President Duterte is facing charges over his controversial anti-drug campaign, which has drawn international criticism and triggered the ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity.