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Advocates Philippines
Nicholas Kaufman Steps Down From Duterte ICC Battle
Screengrab from ICC
A major development unfolded in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte after his lead lawyer Nicholas Kaufman formally requested permission to withdraw from the case.
In a public redacted filing dated May 8, defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman informed ICC Trial Chamber III that his one-year engagement as Duterte’s counsel officially ended on March 31, 2026.
According to the filing, members of the defense team visited Duterte and documented his decision to release Kaufman from representation. The former president also reportedly expressed his intention to hire a replacement lawyer, whose name was redacted in the public version of the document.
Kaufman said he had already spoken with the incoming counsel, who confirmed readiness to immediately take over Duterte’s defense team. The lawyer also assured the court that preparations are in place for the upcoming status conference scheduled on May 27, 2026.
The outgoing counsel emphasized that Duterte’s legal representation would remain “continuous and effective,” noting that the incoming lawyer has extensive experience handling cases before the ICC. Kaufman also expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown during the transition process.
The request was filed under Regulation 78(1) of the ICC Regulations of the Court, which governs the withdrawal of legal counsel from ongoing proceedings.
Duterte is currently facing proceedings before the ICC in connection with the court’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
The filing was submitted before ICC Trial Chamber III, composed of Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek, and Judge Nicolas Guillou.
In a public redacted filing dated May 8, defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman informed ICC Trial Chamber III that his one-year engagement as Duterte’s counsel officially ended on March 31, 2026.
According to the filing, members of the defense team visited Duterte and documented his decision to release Kaufman from representation. The former president also reportedly expressed his intention to hire a replacement lawyer, whose name was redacted in the public version of the document.
Kaufman said he had already spoken with the incoming counsel, who confirmed readiness to immediately take over Duterte’s defense team. The lawyer also assured the court that preparations are in place for the upcoming status conference scheduled on May 27, 2026.
The outgoing counsel emphasized that Duterte’s legal representation would remain “continuous and effective,” noting that the incoming lawyer has extensive experience handling cases before the ICC. Kaufman also expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown during the transition process.
The request was filed under Regulation 78(1) of the ICC Regulations of the Court, which governs the withdrawal of legal counsel from ongoing proceedings.
Duterte is currently facing proceedings before the ICC in connection with the court’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
The filing was submitted before ICC Trial Chamber III, composed of Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek, and Judge Nicolas Guillou.
May 9, 2026
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