Victim's counsel flips Kaufman's script citing Supreme Court on 'state-sponsored killings'Composite image: Gilbert Andres (L), counsel for the victims, and Nicholas Kaufman, lead counsel for Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court's confirmation of charges hearing on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Lawyers for victims in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte told International Criminal Court judges that a Supreme Court ruling cited by the defense could support an interpretation of possible "state-sponsored killings." Gilbert Andres, common legal representative for victims, responded that he and fellow counsel Joel Butuyan were familiar with the Supreme Court case cited by Kaufman. Supreme Court ruling citedAndres quoted from Supreme Court Resolution G.R. Andres said that in the same ruling cited by the defense, the Supreme Court questioned the government's assertion that the deaths resulted from legitimate police operations, saying there was little proof.

Source: Philippine Star February 28, 2026 12:29 UTC