Malacañang on Friday rebuked claims made by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, that the “real prosecutor” behind the crimes against humanity case is in Manila.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro refuted the accusation as baseless and misinformed, and told Kaufman he is being “surrounded by fake news peddlers.”
“Is that you, Atty. Harry Roque, talking? You thought it was Atty. Harry Roque making such a comment,” Castro said.
“It is very apparent and very obvious that Atty. Kaufman is being surrounded by fake news peddlers. He doesn’t know the timeline. He doesn’t know the facts of the case,” she added.
Castro said instead of engaging in “rumor mongering,” Kaufman should focus on his role as legal counsel.
Duterte, the first Asian head of state to face the International Criminal Court, stands accused of crimes against humanity for murder over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups said killed thousands.
The ICC said in its arrest warrant there were “reasonable grounds to believe” at least 19 people had been murdered in Davao City by members of the “Davao Death Squad” headed by Duterte.
Additionally, based on the warrant, at least 24 people were killed by Philippines police in various locations.
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 23, 2025 for the confirmation of charges.
