Nicholas Kaufman Withdraws as Counsel for Rodrigo Duterte at ICC

Nicholas Kaufman has asked the International Criminal Court to allow him to withdraw as counsel for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in the case Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Kaufman submitted the request on May 8. "In light of the aforementioned, in accordance with Regulation 78(1) of the Regulations of the Court, I hereby respectfully request leave to withdraw as counsel for Mr.

Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the case of the Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte," he stated. The request remains subject to approval by the ICC Trial Chamber III, the body overseeing the three counts of crimes against humanity brought against Duterte. Kaufman said the defense team met with Duterte on May 7, after which the former president expressed his desire to hire replacement counsel.

Kaufman had represented Duterte since the former president's arrest on March 11, 2025. His involvement continued through the ICC appeals chamber ruling in April on Duterte's jurisdictional challenge. Kaufman said he has already spoken with the replacement counsel, who is prepared to assume representation immediately.

The new counsel will represent Duterte at the case status conference scheduled for May 27. "I am convinced that the continuity and efficacy of Mr Duterte’s representation will remain assured through [the unnamed lawyer], who has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court, and the existing defense team," Kaufman added.

Kaufman's withdrawal request noted that his engagement with Duterte was limited to a one-year contract that ended on March 31. Associate counsel Dov Jacobs has also withdrawn from the defense team after filing a request on May 7 citing Duterte's decision to reorganize the team ahead of the trial phase.