THE HAGUE, Netherlands — In a revealing update regarding the legal defense of former President Rodrigo Duterte, international lawyer Robert Kaufman confirmed on Sunday, May 10, 2026, that the former leader’s family was deeply involved in the recent overhaul of his legal team.
According to Kaufman, Honeylet Avanceña and Kitty Duterte were instrumental in the selection of the new lead counsel, following the sudden exit of Atty. Harry Roque from the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings.
The shift in legal strategy appears to be a move toward more “specialized international representation” as the trial at The Hague enters its most critical phase.
- Active Involvement: Kaufman, who is part of the transitioning legal team, noted that Avanceña and the younger Duterte were “hands-on” in vetting potential candidates. Their goal was to find a lead counsel with extensive experience in international humanitarian law and the specific procedural nuances of the ICC.
- The Choice: While the official name of the new lead counsel is expected to be announced on Monday, Kaufman hinted that the pick is a seasoned international litigator with a track record of handling high-stakes cases in The Hague.
- Humanitarian Focus: The family’s involvement also underscores the recent pivot toward a “compassionate release” strategy, focusing on the former president’s health and age rather than purely political or jurisdictional arguments.
The inclusion of Duterte’s immediate family in these high-level legal decisions marks a departure from the previous setup, which was largely managed by political allies and local Philippine lawyers.
- International vs. Local: The move suggests a realization that the ICC trial requires a different “language” and expertise than what is typically practiced in Philippine courts.
- Unified Front: By involving Avanceña and Kitty, the defense aims to project a more personal, humanized image of the former president to the international tribunal, supporting the pending motion for his release on health grounds.
- Communication Security: Sources suggest the family sought counsel that could operate with high levels of confidentiality and direct communication, bypassing the “noise” of the Philippine political scene.
The new legal team inherits a case that is rapidly accelerating. With the formal trial set to begin in June 2026, the first task of the family-selected counsel will be to argue the “final bid” for Duterte’s provisional liberty.
| Key Individual | Role in the Defense Shift |
| Honeylet Avanceña | Primary coordinator between the family and the international legal consultants. |
| Kitty Duterte | Reportedly involved in digital research and vetting the reputations of international firms. |
| Robert Kaufman | Acting as the bridge during the transition to the new permanent lead counsel. |
As of Sunday evening, the former president remains in detention at the Scheveningen facility, reportedly awaiting a meeting with the new team that his family helped assemble.