Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s Lawyer Speaks on Accusation of Former Sen. Trillanes vs. Duterte Camp
Duterte’s lawyer Nicholas Kaufman slammed former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for allegedly not denying the claims of the 18 “ex-marines”.
Recently, 18 people who claimed that they are allegedly former marines and staff of resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co accused former Sen. Antonio Trillanes of allegedly giving cash to the International Criminal Court. Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is currently under the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.
The 18 alleged ex-marines also claimed that Ombudsman Boying Remulla also met with the ICC personnel — which the former Justice Secretary confirmed. According to him, the meeting allegedly happened after the arrest and the transfer of custody of Duterte to the foreign court.
Recently, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV accused the Duterte camp of allegedly masterminding the accusation of the 18 “ex-marines” against him. Duterte’s lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, has reacted to the claims of the former Senator.
Nicholas Kaufman, the lead counsel of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his case before the ICC in The Hague, slammed former Sen. Antonio Trillanes for allegedly not denying the allegations of the 18 “ex-marines” against him. According to News5, Duterte’s lawyer stressed that he will ‘explore’ the allegation.
“Trillanes has not denied supplying evidence and facilitating meetings with ICC representatives… I will be exploring… why an offer of assistance from such a well known enemy of Rodrigo Duterte, with such a chequered past, was entertained,” Duterte’s lawyer said based on the post.
Previously, in his confirmation to his meeting with the ICC investigator, Ombudsman Boying Remulla claimed that it was already after March when he met with the personnel of the foreign court and it has allegedly not been a year yet since the said meeting.
“Sinabi ko nakausap ko. Ano ngayon? Tapos na ata yung pangyayari nun, nung kinakausap namin – 2025 yun nung kinausap namin. After March. Wala pang isang taon yun, sigurado ako,” the Ombudsman said.
Remulla claimed that his meeting with the ICC is in pursuit of the protection of the witnesses. To recall, it was last March 11 upon his arrival from Hong Kong when Duterte was arrested by the Philippine authorities who assisted the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in the arrest of the former President.
Previously, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte cited the alleged deafening silence of the concerned groups on the claims of the 18 “ex-marines”.