MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 12, 2026 — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to disqualify three lawyers representing victims of his administration’s war on drugs, citing alleged conflicts of interest and bias.

In an 11-page pleading filed on February 11, Duterte’s counsel Nicholas Kaufman urged ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I to revoke the appointments of Joel Butuyan, Gilbert Andres, and Nicolene Arcaina as common legal representatives for admitted victims. Duterte’s camp argued that the lawyers’ participation creates “an objective appearance of bias” and an impediment to fair representation. 

The filing also requested that the ICC Registry suspend the lawyers’ access to case records until a ruling is made.

The move comes as the ICC prepares for a confirmation of charges hearing later this month, a critical step in determining whether Duterte will face trial for alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands of killings during the drug war. 

His legal team contends that the three lawyers have previously taken public positions against him, which they say undermines their impartiality.

“The defense is seeking the lawyers’ disqualification on the grounds of an impediment to representation and on the basis of conflict of interest,” the pleading stated. Duterte’s camp insisted that the victims’ representation must be handled by individuals who can act independently and without prejudice.

Butuyan, Andres, and Arcaina were appointed by the ICC Registry earlier this year to serve as common legal representatives for victims admitted in the case. Their role is to ensure that the voices of families affected by the drug war are heard during proceedings. Victims’ groups have welcomed their appointment, saying it strengthens accountability efforts.

The ICC investigation into Duterte’s drug war has been a contentious issue in the Philippines, with the former president repeatedly rejecting the court’s jurisdiction. He has maintained that the campaign against illegal drugs was a legitimate exercise of state authority and has accused the ICC of interfering in domestic affairs.