Duterte's ICC Legal Team Backs Down — Withdraws Appeal to Boot Filipino Lawyers from Drug War Case

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense team at the International Criminal Court has officially withdrawn its request to appeal a ruling that refused to kick out three Filipino lawyers representing victims of his bloody drug war. Lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman filed the withdrawal notice on March 16, 2026, just weeks after the Pre-Trial Chamber shut down his bid to disqualify the legal representatives.

Kaufman had been trying to get lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres, along with case manager Nicolene Arcaina, removed from the case — claiming they had a conflict of interest in representing the victims. The Pre-Trial Chamber I denied that motion, and Kaufman's subsequent appeal attempt has now been pulled back.

But the defense isn't exactly waving the white flag. Kaufman noted in his filing that the withdrawal "is without prejudice to any further recourse available to the Defense," meaning they could try to raise the issue again later. Parang classic legal maneuver — retreat now, but keep the door open for next time.

Butuyan and Andres had previously blasted Kaufman for filing what they called "frivolous" appeals that waste the court's precious time and resources. In their response, they urged the defense to "act in good faith" and stop wasting everyone's time on what they called "non-issues."

Duterte was transferred to The Hague in March 2025 after Philippine authorities arrested him on an ICC warrant. He faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration's drug war, which human rights groups say killed thousands. The case grinds on — and so do the legal chess moves.

Source: The Manila Times