Lawyers Nicholas Kaufman (right) and Dov Jacobs (seated, left) (Photo courtesy of ICC)
Former president Rodrigo Duterte has moved to reorganize his defense team ahead of the trial stage of his case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Filings made public on Friday showed that two of his lawyers, Nicholas Kaufman and Dov Jacobs, had separately asked permission to withdraw from the case before Trial Chamber III.
Jacobs earlier told the court that the move was in line with Duterte’s plan to restructure his legal team, adding that his departure would not interrupt the continuity of representation.
The tribunal subsequently approved his request, allowing him to formally step down from the defense.
Kaufman later filed a similar motion, explaining that his engagement had already ended in March 2026 and that Duterte was in the process of appointing a new counsel.
He said the incoming lawyer had agreed to take over immediately and was prepared to attend upcoming proceedings, including a scheduled conference later this month.
Kaufman also conveyed confidence that the transition would not affect the overall handling of the case, noting that the defense team would remain functional.
Lawyers representing victims said they expect the proceedings to move forward without delay, stressing that while Duterte may choose his legal counsel, the trial timeline should not be disrupted.