Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman alleged that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sought to “neutralize” his predecessor and his legacy, as the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened its confirmation of charges hearings.
“So it is indeed the defense case that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set out to neutralize Rodrigo Duterte and his legacy,” Kaufman said on the first day of proceedings.
Kaufman also claimed the existence of a “covertly recorded” telephone conversation involving four unnamed individuals, one of whom allegedly described himself as Marcos’ “silent partner” in channeling witnesses to the ICC while maintaining “plausible deniability” for the President.
He said the transcript was disclosed by the prosecution team only a week earlier and could support suspicions of political maneuvering.
The defense further argued that Duterte was “unconstitutional and unceremoniously hauled off to The Hague,” drawing a contrast between the former leader and his successor.
“For President Rody, his word was his word, and the people knew it. For President Bongbong, his word is for the wind, and the people will not forget it,” Kaufman said.
The ICC hearings, which began February 23, will determine whether charges of crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign will move forward to trial.
Judges are expected to issue a ruling within 60 days after the hearings conclude.