The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Trial Chamber III has granted the request of lawyer Nicholas Kaufman to withdraw as counsel for former president Rodrigo Duterte after the accused expressed his desire to change legal representation. In a decision issued Monday, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said Kaufman formally sought leave to withdraw on May 8 under Regulation 78(1) of the ICC Regulations. According to the filing, Duterte informed the court that he wished to release Kaufman and appoint a replacement counsel, whose terms of engagement had already been finalized. Kaufman told the chamber that the incoming lawyer had confirmed he was willing and able to assume representation immediately and had already been briefed on all pending matters and deadlines in the case. The new counsel also assured the court that he would be prepared to attend the next status conference scheduled on May 27, 2026. The chamber said the change in representation originated from Duterte himself and noted that the incoming counsel was ready to take over without delay. “Having considered the present stage of the proceedings and the aforementioned factors, the Chamber is of the view that no prejudice arises or inconvenience is caused by accepting Mr. Kaufman’s withdrawal,” the chamber said. The court likewise reminded Kaufman that he remains bound by obligations under the ICC Code of Professional Conduct and the Rome Statute, particularly confidentiality requirements. Kaufman assured the chamber he would continue to comply with those duties. In a procedural note, the judges observed that Kaufman redacted the name of Duterte’s replacement lawyer in the public version of his request without providing justification for the confidentiality claim. The chamber ordered the ICC Registry to reclassify the filing as public unless Kaufman submits valid grounds for maintaining the redaction by the end of May 11.
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