Malacañang has urged the lawyer of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Nicholas Kaufman, to concentrate on legal defense strategies instead of commenting on Philippine politics.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Kaufman should prioritize his client’s defense before the International Criminal Court and avoid making remarks about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“He should focus on his defense and legal strategies, not on President Marcos Jr.,” Castro said, responding to Kaufman’s claim that the current administration is not assisting the defense in any way.
“He is losing track of his case because he keeps monitoring Philippine politics. He should do his best for his client, not for the political careers of his client’s children,” she added.
Kaufman earlier told international media that the Marcos administration is allegedly helping the prosecution after Duterte was taken into ICC custody.
The ICC has confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
In a 50-page ruling, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ordered Duterte to stand trial and directed the court registry to transmit the decision confirming the charges and case records.
Kaufman has said the defense will argue during trial that the alleged state policy to kill drug suspects was “complete fiction,” and also questioned the credibility of prosecution witnesses, saying they were not properly assessed during the confirmation of charges hearing.
