Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s defense lawyer at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is resigning, a redacted version of ‘Counsel’s Request to Withdraw’ released by the Court on Friday revealed.
In his notice, Kaufman said he was “originally engaged to represent Mr. Duterte for the period of one year. This engagement terminated on 31 March 2026.” Kaufman represented Duterte at the ICC since March 11 last year.
The British-Israeli lawyer said he has spoken with Duterte, who told him of his plan to hire another counsel. His replacement was not revealed but the lawyer was referred to as a male.
“Counsel has spoken to [REDACTED] who has indeed confirmed that he is ready willing and able to assume immediate representation and that his terms of engagement have been agreed. Counsel informed [REDACTED] of pending deadlines and [REDACTED] assured him that he will be able to attend the status conference set for 27 May 2026,” Kaufman’s notice reads.
Kaufman also assured that his unnamed replacement “has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court, and will be able to attend the status conference set for May 27.”
Kaufman’s withdrawal, however, is still subject to the ICC Trial Chamber III’s approval. This is the court that handles Duterte’s three counts of crimes against humanity case.
“In the event that leave is granted, I affirm that I will adhere to all relevant provisions of the Code of Professional Conduct concerning confidentiality and record-keeping,” Kaufman assured.
The Duterte Panagutin Network in the Netherlands said Kaufman’s withdrawal indicates that Duterte’s case is “practically indefensible.”
“Kaufman’s tactics to file several appeals questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction and, most recently, his critique of various technicalities involved in the handling of the case have all fallen flat following the unanimous decision of the ICC judges to set aside his arguments,” the Network said in a quick reaction to the development.
“This demonstrates that all of the legal maneuvers of Duterte’s defense team thus far has all been mere delay tactics, and that there is no real defense to argue,” the group added.
Human rights lawyer Kristina Conti for her part said that, while Duterte has a right to counsel of choice, victims want to be assured that the change will not result in any delay.
“So far, Nicholas Kaufman has committed that the new lead lawyer will be present at the status conference on May 27, 2026…[The] victims prefer trial begin the soonest possible,” she said. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
