ICC formally recognizes new counsel for Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formalized the appointment of British lawyer Peter Haynes as the new counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to a court filing dated May 15.

“The appointment has been confirmed by the Registry on 15 May 2026, following Counsel’s acceptance of the appointment,” the document read.

On May 8, Duterte’s former lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, sought permission to withdraw as counsel for Duterte after the former president expressed his desire to hire Haynes.

READ: ICC prosecutors seek Nov. 30 start for Duterte trial

The ICC Trial Chamber III granted Kaufman’s request on May 11.

According to the filing, Duterte signed the appointment of counsel form on May 13, formally confirming Haynes as his lawyer before The Hague-based tribunal.

READ: Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team seeks up to 19 months of trial delay

Haynes accepted the mandate on the same day while the Registry formalized the appointment two days later.

The 81-year-old former president and Davao City mayor is set to be tried by the ICC for crimes against humanity over the thousands of killings during his drug war.

The Office of the Prosecutor earlier recommended that the trial begin on Nov. 30 this year.

But Haynes sought a new fitness review for Duterte and a trial preparation time of 14 to 19 months should the latter be found fit to stand trial. /cb