Kaufman to Honeylet: ICC makes call on Duterte visits, not me

Metro Manila, Philippines - The lead counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte said visits to the former leader at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, Netherlands was beyond his authority, in response to the emotional remarks of longtime partner Honeylet Avanceña.

In a video interview posted by vlogger Maharlika, Avanceña accused Nicholas Kaufman of preventing her from visiting Duterte, expressing frustration and concern for his wellbeing.

“Mr. Kaufman, I’m not asking any favor from you. I’m not talking about the case,” she said. “Ikaw ang dinidiretso ko, bihira ako makausap sa mga kasama mo.”

[Translation: I’m speaking directly to you. I rarely get the chance to speak to any of your colleagues.]

Avanceña turned emotional as she described Duterte’s condition, saying he continues to struggle with depression.

“Even after his presidency, emotionally, meron na siyang depression,” she said.

[Translation: Even after his presidency, he already had depression.]

“Maawa ako, have mercy on the man. You only get to talk to him one hour a day. You don’t see him 23 hours a day. I am one hundred percent sure na may depression siya. Ngayon dine-deprive mo ako na mabisita siya,” she added.

[Translation: Have mercy. You only talk to him for one hour a day - you don’t see him the rest of the time. I am 100% sure he has depression. And now, you’re depriving me of the chance to visit him.]

In response, Kaufman issued a statement to NewsWatch Plus distancing himself from the visitation process.

“For judicial reasons and out of respect for family privacy, I am not able and, further, have no need nor reason to comment on the veracity of Honeylet Avanceña’s allegations concerning what she claims is her denial of access to the ICC detention centre,” he said.

He said visitation is not within his control.

“Contrary to Ms. Avanceña’s claims, visiting rights are not determined by counsel but rather by the detention centre authorities with the intervention of the judges when necessary,” Kaufman said.

He assured the public that Duterte is receiving proper care.

“The former President’s health is being adequately managed and overseen by all those currently in daily contact with him,” Kaufman said.

The ICC has not issued a statement on Avanceña’s allegations. Duterte is facing investigation for alleged crimes against humanity for muder tied to his bloody drug war.