Lies won’t save Duterte from accountability, group tells Kaufman
KARAPATAN Public Information
PRESS RELEASE
28 September 2025
For reference: Atty. Jojo Lacanilao, convenor, Duterte Panagutin Campaign Network, +63 917 812 8262
Lies won’t save Duterte from accountability, group tells Kaufman
The Duterte Panagutin network condemned the dirty tactics employed by Rodrigo Duterte’s counsel Nicolas Kaufman.
Kaufman twisted the statement of Press Undersecretary Claire Castro to make it appear that the Philippine government does not oppose the Defense’s request for interim release. But Castro’s own words were: “whatever the decision of the [ICC], the government [of the Philippines] will accept it,” referring to the travels of the defendant’s daughter, the current Vice President, to foreign countries outside the Philippines.
“Kaufman is deliberately obfuscating the facts surrounding the case of his client. His lies, unfortunately, won’t save Duterte from criminal liability,” Duterte Panagutin convenor Atty. Jojo Lacanilao said.
The network underscored that this is not the first time that Kaufman did this. Early in June, Kaufman also peddled the lie that the Office of the Prosecutor had agreed to the interim release.
“Kaufman’s lies, in addition to dilatory legal tactics, attempt to gain public sympathy. Duterte’s army of trolls is so quick to spread the vitriol that is disinformation. They cannot fool everybody,” Lacanilao said.
Vice President Sara Duterte issued a statement claiming that her father was found unconscious on the floor of his room. The network noted that such claims have not been verified by the ICC.
The network warned the Duterte family and Kaufman against trying to put pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC). “No credible international court would bow down to their dirty tactics,” the group said.
The Duterte Panagutin network called on the families of the victims of Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ not to fall for the Duterte camp’s propaganda. “Do not be disheartened. We will continue to stand with you as you push for justice in the face of challenges and difficulties,” Lacanilao said.
The Duterte Panagutin network also called on the media not to amplify lies and malicious statements from Kaufman and the Duterte family.
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