And not – I stress – with lethal intent,” Kaufman said in his opening statement at the confirmation of charges hearing yesterday. “His rhetoric was calculated to arouse fear and obedience, to instill fear in their hearts and to inculcate a respect for the law in their minds. Kaufman argued against the prosecution’s assertion that Duterte enabled widespread and systematic killings during his time as president and Davao City mayor. Kaufman urged the pre-trial chamber to dismiss what he described as “grievously misplaced and politically motived” charges against the former president. “We will ask you to send Rodrigo Duterte back to his family.

Source: Philippine Star February 23, 2026 16:25 UTC