THE HAGUE, Netherlands — March 4, 2026 — Nicholas Kaufman, the British-Israeli lawyer representing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC), has denied allegations that he was paid “bags and bags of money” to defend his client.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News after meeting Duterte at the Scheveningen detention facility, Kaufman dismissed speculation about his compensation. “I’m a pretty simple guy,” he said, adding that he has been living modestly while handling the high-profile case. 

He explained that the ongoing conflict in his home region prevented him from returning, leaving him with limited personal belongings. “Because of the war that is going on in my part of the world, I didn’t have the ability to go back. I’ve got no clothes at the moment,” Kaufman remarked.

The ICC is currently holding confirmation of charges hearings against Duterte for crimes against humanity, who faces accusations linked to thousands of killings during his anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors are seeking to establish substantial grounds to move the case to trial, while Kaufman has challenged the credibility of the evidence presented.

Duterte, who recently turned 81, remains in detention as judges deliberate on whether the case will proceed. The ICC chamber has up to 60 days after the hearings to issue a ruling.

Kaufman’s scrutiny of Duterte comes amid heightened defense of the former president’s legal team, with critics questioning the resources behind the former president’s legal strategy. The lawyer’s statements aim to counter perceptions that his representation incentives are driven more by financial than by professional commitment.

This development underscores the intense global attention on Duterte’s ICC proceedings, which continue to spark debate in the Philippines accountability and abroad over justice and the legacy of his war on drugs.