VP Sara still trusts Kaufman as father Rodrigo’s lawyer

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday said she still trusts Nicholas Kaufman as the legal counsel for her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.

When asked if she still has confidence in Kaufman’s capabilities, Sara said, “Of course, yes, oo, kasi siya yung pinili ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na lawyer so we only follow kung ano yung choice ng client.”

(Of course, yes, because the former president chose him as his lawyer, so we only follow the choice of the client.)

“Siya (Rodrigo) naman yung kliyente, nasa kanila naman yung professional arrangement. As long as nagsabi si dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na yan ang aking mga abogado, susunod kami and mag-cooperate kami kung ano kailangan,” she added.

(He’s the client, and it’s their professional arrangement. As long as the former said they are his lawyers, we will follow and cooperate with what is needed.)

The elder Duterte is currently detained at the International Criminal Court detention facility in The Hague for charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his deadly war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and later as President of the Philippines.

Last month, the ICC granted the Duterte's request to suspend the tribunal’s decision on his request for interim release until his defense lawyers have collated all the needed supporting information. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News