Duterte's Lawyer Says the ICC Judges Will 'Take the Right Decision' — But Admits He Can't Ask for Interim Release Right Now

After four days of confirmation of charges hearings at The Hague, defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman struck a confident tone — but also revealed a telling limitation. "The judges will take their decision based on the evidence," he told reporters after the final session on Friday. "We trust the judges to take the right decision." The Pre-Trial Chamber has 60 days to decide whether to confirm the charges and send the case to full trial.

When asked why he didn't push again for Duterte's interim release, Kaufman was candid: an appeal from the first detention review is still pending before a higher chamber, making any new request "futile" at this point. "It's not that I agree that my client should continue to be in detention," he clarified. "It's merely recognizing the futility of making an additional request for interim release at this point in time."

Kaufman defended his emotional closing arguments, which the prosecution had tried to have struck from the record. "I litigated for the best part of a day and a half on the substance," he said. "We attacked every one of those counts that alleged that Mr. Duterte murdered 78 victims. We deny that completely." He noted that the prosecution's objection was itself proof his arguments were landing.

Portions of the hearing were not broadcast publicly due to court-imposed protective measures. Kaufman confirmed that Judge Motoc had restricted certain aspects of the transcript from public viewing. He also explained that Duterte's absence was rooted in his jurisdictional challenge — not disrespect to the court.

The three possible outcomes: the Pre-Trial Chamber can decline to confirm charges (allowing the prosecution to try again with more evidence), adjourn and ask for further investigation, or confirm and send it to trial. For Filipinos on both sides of this historic case, the waiting game begins. Sixty days. That's how long until we know whether Duterte faces a full trial — or walks.

Source: GMA News