The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formalized Kate Gibson’s appointment as former President Rodrigo Duterte’s associate counsel, the international court’s Registry confirmed.

In a document dated May 18, the Registry said that Peter Haynes, Duterte’s counsel, requested that Gibson act as the defence team’s associate counsel in the proceedings. Gibson accepted the appointment the same day.

“Ms. Gibson has previously executed the solemn undertakings as required under Article 5 of the Code, which remain valid throughout the proceedings before the Court,” the ICC stated.

“Ms. Gibson confirmed the Registry that she does not have impediments to the representation of Mr. Duterte in the proceedings before the Court or a conflict of interest in accordance with articles 12 and 16 of the Code,” it added.

The former’s appointment comes after Haynes’ confirmation as the former president’s new counsel. This follows Atty. Nicholas Kaufman’s withdrawal as Duterte’s counsel in accordance with Regulation 78(1) of the Regulations of the Court.