April 24, 2025 — Manila, Philippines
Nicholas Kaufman, lead counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, has pushed back against allegations that their legal team sought to restrict the number or type of identity documents submitted by complainants in the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation.
In a statement released Wednesday, Kaufman categorically denied any attempt to block or limit the complainants’ ability to present identification materials in the case related to Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
“There is no truth to the claim that we have tried to limit the presentation of identity documents before the ICC,” Kaufman said. “Our legal team remains committed to upholding due process and ensuring a fair trial for all parties involved.”
The denial comes amid reports that the Duterte defense camp was allegedly seeking to narrow the types of documents complainants could use to verify their identities—a move critics claimed could undermine witness credibility and hamper the investigation.
Human rights advocates have raised alarms over any action that could be perceived as an attempt to intimidate or disqualify witnesses. In response, Kaufman insisted that any challenge to the admissibility or authenticity of documents will be handled through the proper legal channels established by the ICC.
The court is currently assessing evidence in its investigation into possible crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s presidency, particularly in connection with the thousands of deaths linked to his war on drugs.
The proceedings at The Hague have drawn international attention and continue to provoke strong reactions both in the Philippines and abroad, as questions of accountability and justice remain at the forefront.
