VICE President Sara Duterte believes that Atty. Nicholas Kaufman can represent her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD), well in the upcoming confirmation of the latter’s charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a media interview on Monday, August 12, 2025, at Magsaysay Park, Sara said she trusts Kaufman and is confident in his preparations for the upcoming proceedings.
“Kasi siya yung pinili ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na lawyer. So we only follow kung ano yung choice ng client. Siya naman yung kliyente, sa kanila naman yung professional arrangements,” said.
(Because he was the lawyer chosen by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is also a lawyer. So we only follow the client’s choice. He is the client, and the professional arrangements are up to them.)
The Vice President said that as long as FPRRD has chosen Kaufman as his lawyer, she will cooperate with him and provide whatever the legal team needs.
Regarding the handling of the case, Sara said she could not comment or speak on behalf of Kaufman about his legal preparations. However, she noted that Kaufman is open to interviews and willing to answer questions.
On March 18, 2025, the ICC confirmed the appointment of British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman as the lead legal counsel for FPRRD.
To recall, FPRRD was brought before the Hague in the Netherlands for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s war on drugs.
Estimates of the death toll during Duterte’s presidential term vary, from more than 6,000 that the national police have reported to over 30,000, according to numbers from human rights groups.
FPRRD first appeared before the ICC judges on March 14, 2025, via videoconference from a nearby detention center where he is currently being held. RGP
