MANILA. Peter Haynes, former president of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Bar Association, has been appointed as the new counsel for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague facing charges of crimes against humanity, specifically murder, related to his administration's deadly drug war.
In a three-page filing, Nicholas Kaufman informed the ICC of his withdrawal as Duterte's counsel. The document stated that the defense team visited Duterte, who released Kaufman and expressed his desire to hire Haynes as replacement counsel. Kaufman confirmed that Haynes is ready, willing, and able to assume immediate representation, with agreed terms of engagement. Haynes was also informed of pending deadlines and assured his attendance at the status conference scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Kaufman earlier noted that he was hired under a specific contract for the pretrial phase, covering one year or until the conclusion of the confirmation hearing. Duterte's longtime partner, Honeylet Avancena, and their daughter, Veronica Duterte, led the selection and recommendation of the new counsel.
Kaufman expressed confidence that the continuity and efficacy of Duterte's representation will be assured under Haynes, who brings extensive ICC experience. He thanked Haynes for his gracious and collegial approach. Haynes previously represented Jean-Pierre Bemba, a Congolese politician and former rebel leader acquitted of crimes against humanity in 2018. Over 25 years of practice in criminal and humanitarian law, Haynes has handled cases involving murder, serious fraud, sexual offenses, and human trafficking.
