Statement of Malacañang on Duterte’s ICC Case, Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman
Malacañang spoke anew on former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte amid the legal proceedings of his case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands over an allegation of crimes against humanity. The ICC investigates the war on drugs of the Duterte administration.
Last March 11, countless Filipinos were shocked by the turn of events. Upon his arrival from Hong Kong, former Pres. Duterte was arrested by the Philippine authorities. He was detained at the Villamor Air Base and then flown to The Hague, Netherlands via Dubai before the day ended.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos earned countless criticisms over the unexpected turn of events. Malacañang insisted that Pres. Marcos did not commit betrayal over Duterte’s arrest. According to the Palace, the government only did its job in lieu of its commitment with the Interpol.
Former Pres. Duterte is detained at the ICC detention facility in The Hague for more than three weeks now. Vice Pres. Sara Duterte has returned to the Philippines after her father’s ICC legal team was finalized.
The ICC legal team of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is led by British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. Duterte’s lead counsel previously expressed his confidence on their jurisdictional argument. According to him, he will really be disappointed if it won’t work.
Kaufman said that if he is able to convince the judges that the ICC allegedly has no jurisdiction in the Philippines, there might be no need to get to the confirmation of charges phase. The confirmation of charges is scheduled on September 23.
Based on a report on Inquirer, lawyer Nicholas Kaufman sees one of the biggest challenge in the case of Duterte is the alleged possible political manipulation of arguments. To this, Malacañang gave its reaction.
“He will definitely face some difficulties… regarding the admissions made by his client. But we wish him all the luck because, still, we have to presume that the suspect is still innocent until proven guilty,” Palace press officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said.
Based on the report, Malacañang also advised Duterte’s lead counsel to determine who is truly being manipulate in the case of his client. Previously, lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said that he will “fight for Mr. Duterte until the end”.