Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Carmelle Lacuata

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III has officially recognized the appointment of Peter Haynes as the new counsel of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180e7df7f.pdf">document</a> dated May 15, the Registry informed Trial Chamber III of Haynes’ appointment as Duterte’s legal counsel, after it confirmed the former’s appointment on the same day.</p><p>Nicholas Kaufman formally requested leave to withdraw from representing Duterte  on May 8, with the Chamber granting the request on May 11.</p><p>By May 13, Duterte signed the appointment of counsel form, appointing Haynes. The latter accepted the appointment on the same day.</p><div><a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/12/profile-who-is-peter-haynes-duterte-s-new-icc-lawyer-1854">PROFILE: Who is Peter Haynes, Duterte&#x27;s new ICC lawyer?</a></div><p>Kaufman earlier cited the end of his one-year engagement and Duterte’s decision to reorganize his legal team ahead of trial.</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180e6bdc0.pdf">filing</a> dated May 8, Kaufman noted that his engagement “terminated on 31 March 2026.” </p><p>He added that the defense team had met with Duterte and “documented both Mr Duterte’s release of Counsel from his representation and his desire to hire a replacement.”</p><p><a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180e6bd26.pdf">Associate Counsel Dov Jacobs</a> was also allowed to also withdraw from the defense team.</p><div><a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/8/kaufman-jacobs-withdraw-as-lawyers-for-duterte-2358">Kaufman, Jacobs withdraw as lawyers for Duterte</a></div><p>Following his appointment, Haynes sought another fitness review for Duterte.</p><div><a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/16/duterte-s-new-icc-lawyer-seeks-another-fitness-review-1843">Duterte&#x27;s new ICC lawyer seeks another fitness review</a></div><p>Duterte will face trial before the ICC  after judges confirmed crimes against humanity charges tied to his war on drugs.</p><p>The Hague-based tribunal said its ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I “unanimously confirmed all the charges” against Duterte and “committed him to trial”, based on arguments and evidence presented during 4-day hearings in February.</p><div><a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/23/icc-confirms-all-charges-vs-duterte-commits-him-to-trial-1649">Duterte to face ICC trial after judges confirm charges</a></div><p>It added that pre-trial judges concluded that &quot;there are substantial grounds to believe that Mr. Duterte is responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder&quot; between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019, covering Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor and later as president. </p><p>“These crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population,” it added.</p><p>The 81-year-old will be the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC, which prosecutes individuals for the world&#x27;s worst crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity.</p>

<p>The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III has officially recognized the appointment of Peter Haynes as the new counsel of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.</p>

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III has officially recognized the appointment of Peter Haynes as the new counsel of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.

ICC formalizes Peter Haynes’ appointment as Duterte’s new legal counsel

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ICC formalizes Peter Haynes’ appointment as Duterte’s new legal counsel

Rose Carmelle Lacuata,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 18, 2026 05:58 PM PHT

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Updated May 18, 2026 06:27 PM PHT

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Peter Haynes KC

Rodrigo Duterte

ICC

International Criminal Court

legal counsel

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