Honeylet, Kitty choose new Duterte ICC lawyer, says Kaufman

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s longtime partner Honeylet Avanceña and daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte selected the new lawyer who will take over the former president’s defense before the International Criminal Court, outgoing counsel Nicholas Kaufman said.

In a statement sent to NewsWatch Plus, Kaufman said he raised no objection when the ICC Registry sought his approval for the incoming lawyer’s acquaintance visit with Duterte.

“On Friday last, the Registry of the Court requested my approval for the acquaintance visit of replacement counsel yesterday and in accordance with my professional and ethical obligations, I raised no objection,” Kaufman said.

Kaufman said Kitty later informed him that she and her mother had already chosen Duterte’s new lawyer and requested that he step down.

“Veronica informed me that she and her mother Honeylet had selected new counsel for PRRD and advised me to step down based on their assurance that they had agreed terms of engagement with replacement counsel who was willing to assume immediate representation,” he said.

“After I confirmed the same with the replacement counsel, I sought the former president’s permission to withdraw,” he added.

Last Friday, Kaufman formally filed a request before ICC Trial Chamber III seeking permission to withdraw as Duterte’s lead counsel as the case transitions into the trial phase following the confirmation of charges against the former president.

Under ICC rules, defense lawyers cannot automatically withdraw from a case without court approval, to ensure continuity of legal representation and avoid disruptions in proceedings.

Kaufman earlier said he believes Duterte would remain in “safe hands” under the incoming legal team.

“It has been a privilege for me to represent the former President,” Kaufman previously told NewsWatch Plus.

“If my withdrawal is approved, I am convinced that I will be leaving Tatay Digong in safe hands,” he added.

The identity of Duterte’s replacement counsel has yet to be publicly disclosed.

Duterte remains detained at the ICC detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands, after judges confirmed charges of crimes against humanity tied to his anti-drug campaign.

Trial proceedings could begin in the coming months depending on court scheduling and pre-trial preparations.