PAKTAY NA! Lahat Na-sh0cked? FPRRD NakaLabas nasa 1CC? 100% UUWE sa PINAS -Atty KAUFMAN MARCOLETA?

Summary

In an interview discussing former President Duterte's ongoing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Attorney Nicholas Kafman discusses the challenges in the legal proceedings, including delays and the need for crucial information. He emphasizes the defense's commitment to ensuring Duterte's fair trial while addressing concerns about political motivations and the Philippines' sovereignty. Kafman also speaks on efforts to secure Duterte's release, highlighting the role of the ICC and Dutch law, and comments on the influence of Philippine political dynamics. He concludes by encouraging Filipinos to remain hopeful for the former president's release.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rodrigo Duterte's legal team is actively seeking interim release for the former president, citing various obstacles in the process.
• 😀 Attorney Nicholas Coffman expressed confidence that Duterte's return to the Philippines remains a viable option, rating his confidence at 100%.
• 😀 Several delays and roadblocks have been encountered, but these are confidential and cannot be elaborated on, according to Duterte's defense attorney.
• 😀 Despite these obstacles, Coffman insists that the defense is not stalling the process, and that the delays are out of their control.
• 😀 The legal team is requesting crucial information from the ICC, which has yet to be disclosed, before any motion for interim release can proceed.
• 😀 Three Philippine senators have called for Duterte's interim release under house arrest in the Hague, though its likelihood depends on the court's assessment of risk factors.
• 😀 The legal team has dismissed the idea of filing a civil case in Dutch courts, emphasizing that it would be a mistake given the Netherlands' involvement in the process.
• 😀 Duterte's defense team has not yet requested to postpone the confirmation of charges hearing but is waiting for crucial information to proceed.
• 😀 Coffman has praised the prosecution for meeting their disclosure requirements, despite past issues in other cases.
• 😀 There is a legal debate surrounding the Philippines' jurisdiction over Duterte's case, with arguments from both sides over where he should be tried.
• 😀 Coffman emphasizes the legal team's commitment to pursuing all possible legal avenues, but stresses that any claims about political motivations in the case would be counterproductive.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding the delays in the confirmation of charges for former President Duterte?

The main concern is that crucial information has not been received by the defense, which is necessary to promote the former president’s defense. The delays are said to be caused by various obstacles and are not attributable to the defense.

How does Attorney Kafman respond to the claim that the delay might be a tactic to stall the proceedings?

Attorney Kafman asserts that the defense is not deliberately stalling. He believes the pre-trial chamber understands that the delays are legitimate, and the defense is acting in the best interest of their client.

What is the position of Attorney Kafman regarding the interim release of former President Duterte?

Attorney Kafman hopes for an interim release for the former president, pending a full trial. He emphasizes that they are waiting for crucial information before filing the request for interim release and that delays in receiving this information have impacted the process.

What is the significance of the Dutch senators’ call for the government to petition the ICC for the interim release of Duterte?

Attorney Kafman welcomes the initiative, as it reflects the will of the people. However, he notes that the decision to grant interim release is ultimately in the hands of the judges, who will consider evidence and risk factors when making their ruling.

Has the prosecution been meeting its disclosure obligations according to Attorney Kafman?

Yes, Attorney Kafman acknowledges that the prosecution has met its disclosure obligations in this case, even though it has not been the case in other situations before the court.

What does Attorney Kafman think about the possibility of filing a separate civil action under Dutch law?

Attorney Kafman dismisses the idea of filing a separate civil action under Dutch law as a 'crazy scheme'. He argues that any such case would involve the Netherlands and would complicate the process of seeking the former president’s release.

How does Attorney Kafman respond to concerns about the politicization of the proceedings?

Attorney Kafman refrains from commenting on the political aspects, stating that his job as a lawyer is to pursue legal avenues vigorously. He emphasizes that they are focused on the legal process, not political motivations.

What are the factors that influence Attorney Kafman’s confidence in bringing Duterte back home?

Attorney Kafman expresses 100% confidence in bringing Duterte back home, citing factors such as potential diplomatic discussions and his legal team's efforts. He also mentions that if invited by President Marcos, he would explain the need for Duterte to live out his life in peace.

How does Attorney Kafman respond to Vice President Duterte's claim about President Marcos working with the ICC?

Attorney Kafman does not comment on Vice President Duterte’s claims but clarifies that no investigations can be carried out in the Philippines without the approval of the Philippine government, highlighting sovereignty concerns.

What is the timeline for the confirmation of charges, and how does Attorney Kafman view the possibility of postponement?

Attorney Kafman mentions that they have not asked for a postponement of the confirmation of charges hearing yet. He is waiting for crucial information and hopes the court will decide on this before the hearing takes place.