On August 11, 2025, the political and legal spotlight in the Philippines turned sharply toward The Hague, as Vice President Sara Duterte publicly affirmed her faith in Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, the lawyer representing her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, in the high-profile case before the International Criminal Court (ICC). This declaration comes at a pivotal moment, with the ICC’s confirmation of charges hearing for the elder Duterte scheduled for September 23, 2025. The case, which centers on alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, has stirred intense debate both at home and abroad.
Speaking in Davao City, Vice President Duterte addressed reporters’ questions regarding her confidence in Kaufman’s ability to defend her father. Her response was both direct and resolute: “Of course, yes. Because he was the lawyer chosen by former president Duterte, so we simply follow the client’s choice,” she stated, as reported by Inquirer.net. She continued, “So as long as the former President Duterte says, ‘he is my lawyer,’ we will follow and cooperate with whatever the legal team needs.” Her words underscored a sense of loyalty to both her father’s wishes and the legal process, signaling unity within the Duterte family as the international proceedings move forward.
The legal saga began when former president Duterte was arrested and transferred to ICC custody in The Hague, Netherlands. The charges stem from his administration’s anti-drug campaign, a policy that defined his presidency and drew global scrutiny. While official government figures cite at least 6,000 deaths as a result of the campaign, human rights groups claim the true number may be much higher—up to 20,000, according to several advocacy organizations. These stark figures have become central to the ICC’s investigation, fueling fierce debate over responsibility, justice, and the rule of law.
The ICC’s involvement marks a historic moment for the Philippines and the international community. Rarely has a Southeast Asian leader faced such direct legal scrutiny on the global stage. The confirmation of charges hearing, set for late September, will determine whether the case proceeds to trial—a decision that could have profound implications for both Duterte’s legacy and the broader conversation about accountability for state-led violence.
For many Filipinos, the case is more than a legal proceeding; it is a referendum on a tumultuous era in the nation’s history. The war on drugs, launched in 2016, was characterized by a series of police operations and vigilante-style killings targeting alleged drug offenders. Supporters of Duterte’s hardline approach argue that the campaign was necessary to combat rampant drug crime and restore public order. Critics, however, point to widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings, abuses of power, and a disregard for due process.
Human rights groups, both within the Philippines and internationally, have been vocal in their condemnation. According to various organizations, the true toll of the anti-drug campaign may never be fully known, but the impact on families and communities is undeniable. The ICC’s case rests in part on these reports, which allege a pattern of systematic violence and a failure by the Philippine government to hold perpetrators accountable.
Despite the gravity of the charges, the Duterte camp has remained steadfast. The selection of Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, an experienced international lawyer, signals a determination to mount a robust defense. Kaufman is known for his work in high-profile international cases, and his appointment has been met with both anticipation and scrutiny. Vice President Sara Duterte’s endorsement of Kaufman reflects a broader strategy: to present a unified front and challenge the ICC process head-on.
“He is my lawyer,” former president Duterte reportedly stated, a sentiment echoed by his daughter as she pledged cooperation with the legal team. This alignment within the Duterte family and their allies is seen as crucial, especially as the hearing date approaches and public interest intensifies.
Meanwhile, the Philippine public remains divided. For some, the ICC case is a long-overdue reckoning—a chance to confront the darkest chapters of recent history and demand justice for victims. For others, it is an affront to national sovereignty, an external intervention that undermines the country’s right to resolve its own affairs. This split is mirrored in the nation’s political discourse, with lawmakers, civil society leaders, and ordinary citizens all weighing in on what is arguably the most consequential legal battle in the country’s modern era.
The role of the media in shaping public perception cannot be overstated. Outlets like ABS-CBN, the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, have provided extensive coverage of the ICC proceedings, offering analysis, updates, and a platform for diverse viewpoints. Their reporting has helped inform and connect audiences, both domestically and among the global Filipino diaspora, as the case unfolds.
As the September 23 hearing draws near, all eyes remain on The Hague—and on the Duterte family’s next moves. The outcome could set a precedent not only for the Philippines but for international justice more broadly. Will the ICC’s intervention lead to greater accountability for state actors accused of human rights violations? Or will it provoke a backlash that further polarizes an already divided society?
One thing is clear: the stakes are immense, and the world is watching. With Vice President Sara Duterte’s public affirmation of trust in Kaufman, the defense is signaling its readiness for a prolonged legal battle—one that will test the limits of international law, national sovereignty, and the enduring quest for justice in the Philippines. As the date of the hearing approaches, the nation—and the international community—awaits answers that could shape the course of history for years to come.
In the coming weeks, the legal, political, and human dimensions of this case will continue to unfold, offering a stark reminder of the profound challenges facing societies grappling with the legacy of violence and the demands of justice.