Metro Manila, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte will not replace his lawyers despite clamor from some supporters and “detractors” to replace his defense counsel in the charges he is facing before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Vice President Sara Duterte said on Thursday, Jan. 29.
In an interview in The Hague, Netherlands, the vice president said she spoke to her father and asked whether he is satisfied with the services of his lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman and associate counsel Dov Jacobs.
She added the former president refused to replace them but gave instructions to his legal team.
The ICC set the confirmation of charges for Duterte’s case on Feb. 23 after it ruled that he is fit to stand trial.
The vice president said her 80-year-old father feels “okay” during her last visit.
Duterte is facing murder charges for alleged crimes against humanity, in relation to his bloody drug war during his time as president and mayor of Davao City.
In November 2025, the ICC appeals chamber unanimously rejected the interim release bid of Duterte’s defense team, citing the risks of flight and his family’s continued political influence.
