Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Katrina Domingo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team has urged his supporters to “channel&quot; their support for him &quot;lawfully and peacefully” days before he marks his 81st birthday in detention.  In a statement released by lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman on Thursday, Duterte’s camp assured the public that they have received messages of support and that these have been communicated to the Davaoeño leader.<div> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/11/vp-duterte-s-lawyers-enter-appearance-before-house-justice-panel-1711">VP Duterte’s lawyers enter appearance before House justice panel</a></div> “We can assure everyone that the former President is made personally aware of every message received and we can only beg forgiveness for not replying to each and every concerned person individually,” the statement read. “Please channel your love and support for the former President lawfully and peacefully,” it read. “Let the former President’s 81st birthday - 28 March 2026 - be a day to remember!” Duterte has been detained in the International Criminal Court’s detention facility in the Hague since March 2025 for charges of crimes against humanity over the thousands killed during his administration’s drug war.<div> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/4/kaufman-denies-being-paid-bags-and-bags-of-money-to-represent-duterte-in-icc-0635">Kaufman denies being paid &#x27;bags and bags of money&#x27; to represent Duterte in ICC </a></div> He is awaiting the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision on whether or not there is sufficient evidence for the panel to proceed to a full-blown trial. The decision is expected to be released before the end of April 2026, following the court’s 4-day confirmation of charges hearing in February.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team has urged his supporters to “channel" their support for him "lawfully and peacefully” days before he marks his 81st birthday in detention.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team has urged his supporters to “channel" their support for him "lawfully and peacefully” days before he marks his 81st birthday in detention.

Duterte defense team urges supporters to show support ‘lawfully and peacefully’

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Duterte defense team urges supporters to show support ‘lawfully and peacefully’

Katrina Domingo,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 12, 2026 06:29 PM PHT

|

Updated March 12, 2026 10:22 PM PHT

Read More:

Rodrigo Duterte

Nicholas Kaufman

International Criminal Court

ICC

ABSnews

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.