The Hague, Netherlands — The arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on March 11 marked a significant political development for the country, with supporters hoping for his release and war-on-drugs victims seeking his accountability.
Almost a month since then, Duterte remains to be detained at the ICC detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands, with his camp eyeing to complete his defense team for the case.
Days after his arrest and detention, Duterte’s camp named British-Israeli lawyer Atty. Nicholas Kaufman as the lead counsel of his defense team.
Kaufman earlier conveyed confidence in providing the “strongest defense” for the former president.
Contrary to Kaufman’s quick appointment, Duterte’s camp took their time seeking other lawyers that would be part of the case’s defense.
Vice President Sara Duterte has stepped up to lead the formation of the team, earlier stating that they want lawyers that have experience with ICC to be part of her father’s case.
More than two weeks after Kaufman’s appointment, the ICC registry named the second member of Duterte’s legal defense team.
In a document dated April 7, the ICC registry confirmed the appointment of Mr. Dov Jacobs as the associate counsel of the former president.
On April 2, Kaufman recommended Jacobs for the post, and was soon appointed the day after.
Jacobs signed on April 7 the solemn Undertakings, in adherence to the Article 5 of ICC’s Code of Professional Conduct for Counsel.
Kaufman and Jacobs are the two only members of the defense team confirmed by the ICC, with Duterte’s confirmation hearing set on September 23.