Honeylet Avanceña, common-law wife of former President Rodrigo Duterte, said the decision regarding his legal representation before the International Criminal Court (ICC) was made within the family.
“It is a family decision,” Avanceña told Edge Davao.
Her statement came after British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman confirmed that the recommendation for a new lead counsel for the former president was made by Avanceña and their daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte.
Kaufman said the responsibility for funding and managing the former president’s legal representation has now been transferred to the Duterte family.
“The funding and responsibility for ongoing legal matters, including the choice and recommendation of counsel, has now passed to Avanceña and her daughter Veronica,” Kaufman said in a media interview.
The clarification follows Kaufman’s filing of a withdrawal request on May 8 before the ICC Trial Chamber III, after the conclusion of his one-year contract on March 31, 2026.
Former president Duterte is currently facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s war on drugs.
The ICC proceedings continue as adjustments are made within the defense team following the change in legal representation.
