Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang rejected remarks that the government “betrayed” former President Rodrigo Duterte, pushing back against his defense lawyer and asserting that ongoing proceedings represent justice for victims.
Palace press officer Claire Castro slammed the statement of lawyer Nicholas Kaufman in marking Duterte’s first year in detention, dismissing the allegation as politically motivated.
“It has been one year since the victims have seen the ray of justice — the justice that they deserve,” Castro said.
She said accountability should not be misconstrued as betrayal.
“It is not the president who betrayed the Filipinos, but the perpetrators and co-perpetrators… who betrayed the Filipino people,” she added.
Castro also directly criticized Kaufman’s statement.
“Here, Kaufman goes again politicking instead of defending his own client,” she said.
In his statement to NewsWatch Plus, Kaufman said Duterte had been denied the opportunity to defend his legacy under Philippine law.
“It is one year since the former President was betrayed by the incumbent government and denied the ability to defend his legacy under the law of the Philippines,” he said.
Kaufman also said Duterte continues to receive support from thousands of Filipinos.
“We can assure everyone that the former President is made personally aware of every message received,” he said.
He urged supporters to express their backing peacefully ahead of Duterte’s 81st birthday on March 28.
“Please channel your love and support for the former president lawfully and peacefully,” Kaufman added.
The judges are deliberating whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to confirm the charges against Duterte. If confirmed, the case would proceed to a full trial.
