KAUFMAN SAYS DUTERTE CANNOT BE CHARGED IN DRUG WAR WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF ‘COMMON PLAN

Rodrigo Duterte’s counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, argued at the International Criminal Court (ICC) that the former president cannot be held liable as a co-perpetrator in killings linked to him due to the absence of a “common plan.”

Kaufman emphasized that proving indirect co-perpetration requires evidence of a mutually agreed-upon scheme with a criminal element, which he claims the prosecution has failed to show.

He also disputed that the alleged acts meet the threshold for crimes against humanity, noting that only nine incidents in Davao City were cited and no forensic evidence supports claims of widespread attacks.

Kaufman further argued that the prosecution has not established a causal link between Duterte’s orders or statements and the killings of the 78 identified victims.

He continues to present his defense, countering the prosecution’s case regarding alleged murders during Duterte’s time as Davao mayor and Philippine president.

Source: PhilNews24 | February 27, 2026