The Hague – British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, who is representing former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC), confirmed that he is consulting Filipino lawyers as he builds Duterte’s defense team.
“I’m already taking advice from Filipino lawyers. I have to, in a case like this,” Kaufman told GMA Integrated News before visiting Duterte at The Hague Penitentiary Institution on Wednesday.
While Kaufman did not disclose specific names, he emphasized that local legal expertise is crucial in ICC cases. The court officially recognized him as Duterte’s lead defense counsel earlier in the day.
Duterte’s ICC Case Progress
Duterte, who was arrested last week, faced the ICC pre-trial chamber via video link on Friday. His next hearing for the confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23, 2025.