Rodrigo Duterte to meet new counsel after Kaufman withdrawal request

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has moved to withdraw as lead counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court, marking a major transition in the defense team handling the crimes against humanity case tied to Duterte’s war on drugs.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News on Saturday, Kaufman confirmed that Duterte was set to meet the lawyer chosen to take over his defense.

“The former president will meet the counsel who has been selected for him today to make his acquaintance,” Kaufman said.

Kaufman explained that his engagement was limited to the pretrial proceedings.

“I was hired on a specific contract for the pretrial phase for the period of one year or the conclusion of the confirmation hearing, whichever the sooner,” he said.

The contract ended on March 31, 2026, according to Kaufman.

“The funding and responsibility for ongoing legal matters, including the choice and recommendation of counsel, have now passed to Honeylet Avanceña and her daughter Veronica,” Kaufman said.

According to Kaufman, Duterte’s approval of the new lawyer could pave the way for the ICC Trial Chamber to formally grant his withdrawal as early as next week.

“Should the former president signify his approval of this appointment to Registry staff on Monday morning, then I anticipate that the judges of the Trial Chamber will render a decision approving my withdrawal on the same or following day,” he said.

Kaufman also expressed confidence in Duterte’s incoming counsel, describing the lawyer as highly experienced in ICC litigation and accustomed to handling high-profile clients.

“The new counsel has a wealth of experience at the ICC and, like me, has represented high-profile clients,” he said, adding that he would continue to assist in the transition “to ensure efficiency and continuity.”

ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet stated that the court is still reviewing Kaufman's withdrawal request.

“The judges will make their decision in due course,” Maillet said.

Maillet also emphasized that Duterte retains the right to legal representation by counsel accredited by the court.

“Mr. Duterte is entitled to be defended by a defense counsel at trial that is eligible to be on the list of counsels of the ICC,” she said.

Under ICC rules, defendants are guaranteed the right to choose counsel from a list of lawyers recognized and authorized to practice before the tribunal.

The development comes just weeks after ICC judges confirmed the charges against Duterte and cleared the way for trial proceedings to begin.

Kaufman had served as Duterte’s lead defense lawyer during the confirmation of charges hearings in February, where he repeatedly challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction and described the case as politically motivated. — VBL, GMA News