Kaufman Visited Duterte in Prison Before ICC Final Day: 'He's in Good Spirits' Despite Facing Crimes Against Humanity

Defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman revealed that he visited former President Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC detention facility the night before Day 3 of the confirmation of charges hearing — and found his client 'in good spirits' despite the enormity of the charges against him.

'I went up to the prison and I told him everything that was going on,' Kaufman told reporters at The Hague. He explained that Duterte, who waived his appearance at the hearing, hasn't been monitoring the proceedings himself. Instead, Kaufman provides personal briefings — something he considers an ethical obligation as counsel.

Kaufman said he has nearly completed his defense arguments and will need just one more hour on Friday to wrap up. 'I will complete my submissions,' he said, pero declined to discuss specific strategy. The final day will feature closing statements from the defense, prosecution, and victims' representatives.

When asked about jurisdiction — a central argument of the defense — Kaufman noted that the matter sits with the Appeals Chamber and isn't being argued at the confirmation stage. He also addressed his controversial mention of Claire Castro, the Palace Press Officer, during submissions, saying only: 'What I said is what I said.'

Kaufman had earlier claimed that President Marcos sought to 'neutralize' Duterte, citing a purported phone call transcript involving four unidentified parties. Castro dismissed the claim as 'preposterous.' The ICC will also review Duterte's detention status on Friday — though Duterte has already waived his right to appear for that hearing as well.

Source: GMA News