Former President Rodrigo Duterte is preparing to overhaul his legal defense ahead of the trial phase for his crimes against humanity case at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The move follows the formal withdrawal of Nicholas Kaufman as his lead counsel.
According to a document released Friday, Kaufman confirmed that his professional engagement with the former president concluded on March 31, 2026.
“In light of the aforementioned, in accordance with Regulation 78(1) of the Regulations of the Court, I hereby respectfully request leave to withdraw as Counsel for Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the case of the Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Kaufman stated.
The court filing also noted that associate counsel Dov Jacobs has departed from the legal team.
Despite these exits, Kaufman clarified that a successor has already been selected to represent Duterte during the ICC Trial Chamber’s upcoming initial status conference.
The reorganization comes as the international court moves closer to formal proceedings regarding the alleged extrajudicial killings associated with the previous administration’s “war on drugs.”
“The Request indicates that the Accused has expressed an interest in reorganising his Defence team in anticipation for the trial phase of this case,” Kaufman said.