Duterte eyes ex-ICC Bar Association president as his new lawyer

MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is eyeing international criminal and humanitarian law expert Peter Haynes as his new lawyer for his crimes against humanity case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Duterte’s prospective counsel was the president of the ICC Bar Association from 2019 to 2021. Haynes would be Duterte’s official lawyer once the ICC registry approves his formal appointment.

The lawyer’s name was revealed on Tuesday, May 12 (Manila time), after the ICC released the unredacted version of Nicholas Kaufman’s request to withdraw as Duterte’s lawyer. Kaufman asked the court to withdraw from Duterte’s case on May 8.

“Yesterday (May 7), the Defense team visited Mr. Duterte and documented both Mr. Duterte’s release of Counsel from his representation and his desire to hire replacement Counsel — Mr. Peter Haynes,” the request read.

“Counsel (Kaufman) has spoken to Mr. Haynes, who has indeed confirmed that he is ready, willing, and able to assume immediate representation and that his terms of engagement have been agreed,” it added.

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Duterte has been detained at The Hague, Netherlands, after he was arrested on March 11, 2025, over his crimes against humanity case. This covers the alleged killings under his war on drugs and the Davao Death Squad.

Kaufman served as Duterte’s lawyer since 2025, defending the former president during Duterte’s initial appearance before the court in March 2025, during the confirmation of charges hearing in February 2026, and even in Duterte’s challenge to the ICC’s jurisdiction over his case.

Haynes will now defend Duterte at the upcoming trial, since the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber confirmed all three counts of crimes against humanity case in an April decision.

“Counsel (Kaufman) informed Mr. Haynes of pending deadlines, and Mr. Haynes assured him that he will be able to attend the status conference set for May 27, 2026,” Kaufman’s request added.

Haynes has over 20 years of experience handling cases before The Hague, according to his profile from the Saint Philips Barrister. – Rappler.com