Malacañang on Tuesday pushed back against allegations by defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman that the administration of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos had betrayed former president Rodrigo Duterte, saying the lawyer should focus on defending his client before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro rejected Kaufman’s remarks made on the first anniversary of Duterte’s detention under the ICC, where the former leader faces allegations linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign, "war on drugs."
“It is one year since the former president was betrayed by the incumbent government and denied the ability to defend his legacy under the law of the Philippines,” Kaufman said in a statement marking the occasion.
In response, Castro disputed the claim, asserting that justice processes are underway and emphasizing the perspective of victims.
“Yes, it has been one year since the victims of extrajudicial killings have seen a ray of justice—the justice that they deserve. It is not the president who betrayed the Filipinos, but the perpetrators and co-perpetrators in the commission of crimes against humanity who betrayed the Filipino people,” Castro said.
The Palace official added that instead of blaming the current administration, Duterte’s legal team should prioritize addressing the charges and presenting their case before the international tribunal.
Castro also criticized Kaufman for what she described as politicizing the issue instead of concentrating on legal defense efforts before the ICC.
“Here, Kaufman goes again, politicking instead of defending his own client,” she said.
“Pamumulitika. Is he preparing for the 2028 elections,” she added.
