Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778256188128kaufman2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. ICC-CPI/file</span></span></span></div><p>(UPDATED) Lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman has formally requested leave to withdraw from representing former president Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).</p><p>Kaufman cited the end of his one-year engagement and Duterte’s decision to reorganize his legal team ahead of trial.</p><p><a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180e6bdc0.pdf">In a 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>Kaufman confirmed that the incoming lawyer “is ready, willing and able to assume immediate representation and that his terms of engagement have been agreed.” </p><p>He assured the Chamber that the replacement counsel would be able to attend the status conference set for May 27, 2026.</p><p>Invoking Regulation 78(1) of the ICC’s Regulations of the Court, Kaufman respectfully requested leave to withdraw, stressing that “the continuity and efficacy of Mr Duterte’s representation will remain assured” through the replacement counsel, whom Kaufman mentioned “has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court, and the existing defence team.”</p><p>Kaufman also expressed gratitude to the incoming lawyer for “his extremely graceful, supportive and collegial approach,” and affirmed that, if granted leave, he would “adhere to all relevant provisions of the Code of Professional Conduct concerning confidentiality and record-keeping provided for in Articles 8, 15, and 17.”</p><p>Kaufman’s request comes as <a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180e6bd26.pdf">Associate Counsel Dov Jacobs</a> was allowed to also withdraw from Duterte’s defense team. </p><p>The ICC Trial Chamber III earlier ruled that Jacobs’ departure would not prejudice Duterte’s defense, as lead counsel and the existing team remained in place.</p><p>Lawyer Kristina Conti, assistant to counsel at the ICC, said in a Facebook post Friday night that victims in case case against Duterte want to be assured that the change in his lawyers will not result in any delay. </p><p>&quot;A new lawyer does not automatically reset or give rise to new remedies available to the accused,&quot; Conti said. &quot;The general sentiment here is that victims prefer trial begin the soonest possible.&quot;</p><p>Duterte is charged with three counts of crimes against humanity over his war on drugs as mayor of Davao City and then as president of the Philippines.</p><p>After years of challenging the ICC to come after him, Duterte was arrested in March 2025, and has since been detained in the Hague as the international tribunal tackles the cases filed against him.</p><p>The 81-year-old has refused to attend his confirmation of charges hearings as well as the Appeals Chamber’s proceedings as his camp maintains that these cases should be tried in the Philippines, where there is a fully functioning judicial system.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>READ MORE</strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/8/kaufman-jacobs-withdraw-as-lawyers-for-duterte-2358">Duterte defense team seeks to appeal ICC confirmation of charges</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/28/who-are-the-judges-in-duterte-s-trial-at-the-icc-1813">Who are the judges in Duterte&#x27;s trial at the ICC?</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/8/icc-prosecution-seeks-clarity-on-filipino-lawyers-role-with-duterte-legal-team-2153">ICC prosecution seeks clarity on Medialdea, Panelo, others lawyers&#x27; role with Duterte legal team</a></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3oEA5QmOenI??si=gex6aIa2yC1ymVMN&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Lawyers Nicholas Kaufman and Dov Jacobs are withdrawing as defense counsels for former President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case in the International Criminal Court.</p>

Lawyers Nicholas Kaufman and Dov Jacobs are withdrawing as defense counsels for former President Rodrigo Duterte in his crimes against humanity case in the International Criminal Court.

Kaufman, Jacobs withdraw as lawyers for Duterte

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Kaufman, Jacobs withdraw as lawyers for Duterte

Jojo Pasion Malig,

Carlos Trazo,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 08, 2026 11:58 PM PHT

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Updated May 09, 2026 12:44 AM PHT

Read More:

ICC

Rodrigo Duterte

Nicholas Kaufman

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