Metro Manila, Philippines – A Palace official has extended well wishes to Nicholas Kaufman in defending former President Rodrigo Duterte who, the lead counsel said, “admitted the killings” at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a press briefing on Tuesday, April 8, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration respects the opinions Kaufman has expressed publicly and to the media regarding the crimes against humanity charge against Duterte.
“He will definitely face some difficulties in defending his client, if 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,” said Castro.
She also responded to Kaufman’s statement in an interview with NewsWatch Plus that “political manipulation” is one of the biggest hurdles in Duterte’s ICC case.
“Sinabi niya po na [He cited] political manipulation of arguments, so it is also better for him to know who manipulates who. And, of course, sabi nga natin [we are saying], he should also be aware of the plight of EJK families, of the EJK victims who are now allegedly being harassed by some of the Duterte supporters according to Atty. [Kristina] Conti,” the spokesperson said.
On Friday, Kaufman outlined the reasons he believed political manipulation could influence the ICC proceedings.
“The only potential hurdles that I foresee is the political manipulation of the arguments presented during the litigation. One argument, frequently and robotically raised to object to interim release, is the supposed existence of a huge support network which may be exploited either to facilitate flight or intimidation. The former President enjoys huge popular support,” Kaufman said.
He said ICC proceedings give equal opportunity to all parties involved.
“There will be participation in these proceedings by victims – principally, persons who accuse the former President of being responsible for the murder of their family members. Even though the Defense vigorously disputes responsibility, the process at the ICC requires that the relatives of these people have the opportunity to express their views without fear,” he added.
Duterte was “surrendered” to ICC custody following an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I for crimes against humanity for murder.
The probe covers Duterte’s alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings linked to the so-called Davao Death Squad—activities that allegedly began during his time as mayor of Davao City and continued into the early years of his presidency, or from 2011 until the country exited the Rome Statute that created the international tribunal to March 2019.
