British lawyer Kaufman preparing for ‘strong defense’ to acquit Duterte at ICC

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Mar 18, 2025 10:51 PM

  

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British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, the lead counsel of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s defense team, said they are preparing “a strong defense” for the former president’s acquittal in the crimes against humanity of murder case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
 

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his British-Israeli lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman (Screengrab from ICC, ABS-CBN News video)  

 

In a chance interview with reporters after a meeting with Duterte in The Hague on Tuesday, March 18 (Netherlands time), the lawyer shared that the former president is “in good spirits and looking forward to conducting his defense.”
 

“There will be petitions, obviously. Once again, it’s not for me to comment on the defense strategy at this moment in time,” he added when asked about any petitions the defense will file before the Sept. 23 scheduled hearing.
 

One of the things that the defense plans to raise is under Article 59 of the Rome Statute.
 

He said Duterte was “completely denied all his rights in the Philippines,” noting “that would obviously be a argument in the course of this defense.”
 

Article 59 of the Rome Statute outlines that a person subject to an ICC arrest warrant “shall be brought promptly before the competent judicial authority in the custodial State,” which will evaluate the arrest.
 

But legal experts said that the Philippines is not bound by Article 59 because it is no longer a member of the ICC after Duterte officially withdrew from it in 2019.
 

Confident of acquittal
 

Kaufman, who said he had “been involved in a quite few cases” before the ICC, also expressed confidence that the defense team has a strong enough argument for the former president’s acquittal.
 

“I’m very confident of the strongest defense possible and I’m confident he will be acquitted indeed, even at earliest stage possible,” he assured.
 

Asked if he would be able to bring Duterte back to the Philippines, the lawyer responded, “I certainly hope so.” 

Kaufman shared that he would have access to the former chief executive and promised him that he will be there every day while he’s in The Hague, where Duterte is currently detained.
 

“I’m available to visit before the (former) president as long as I’m here, (and) as long as I’m allowed to do so. I have promised him that I would come every day that I’m in The Hague,” he said.
 

Kaufman is a veteran international lawyer who have handled high-profile cases, such as those of Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former Congolese vice president, Aisha Gaddafi, the daughter of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, and Maxim Mokom Gwaka, an alleged militia leader from the Central African Republic.

Women’s Month: DFA to open consular offices for women on March 8, 22

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Mar 3, 2025 10:46 AM 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that its consular offices will remain open only for women on March 8 and 22 for the celebration of the National Women’s Month.

 

 

In a statement, the DFA said it would provide consular services to women, especially those working during weekdays, to apply for passport and apostille.
 

The Office Consular Affairs located at the Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City and DFA Consular Offices all over the country will be open for all women.
 

“Pagbati para sa lahat ng natatanging kababaihan mula sa Tanggapan ng Ugnayang Konsular ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas (DFA-OCA)! Nakikiisa ang Tanggapan sa pagsulong ng ‘Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas’ (A greeting to all exceptional women from the DFA-OCA. We are one in pushing for ‘Women for all Sectors, Improving the Future in the New Philippines’),” the statement read.
 

However, the OCA also issued a reminder that the courtesy lane privileges for women “does not constitute or guarantee approval of either authentication or passport application.” 

“All applicants will be processed in accordance with the existing laws, rules, and regulations of authentication and passport processing and a complete set of requirements must be submitted by the applicant,” it added.
 

Select consular offices will also be open on other Saturdays of March. A list of participating consular offices and their corresponding special operations schedules can be found on the DFA website and social media pages.
 

Women of any age who would apply for passports can avail of the services through the Passport Online Appointment System or the walk-in through courtesy lane of the consular offices.
 

Women applicants are allowed to bring one immediate family member, such as a spouse, adult children, or adult sibling with proof of relationship or one traveling companion with proof of travel.
 

Minor children of the applicants will also be accommodated.
 

Individuals eligible for the use of courtesy lane must present a duly accomplished Passport Application Form, which could be accessed via the consular’s website.
 

For more information on passport requirements and the use of the courtesy lane, applicants must visit the consular office’s website on https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/services/passport/requirements.

Marcos urges Filipinos on Holy Week: Spread kindness, selflessness

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Mar 24, 2024 07:19 AM

  

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President Marcos on Palm Sunday, March 24, enjoined Filipinos to “illuminate the path for others through acts kindness and selflessness” as the nation marks the start of the observance of the Holy Week.
 

Palm Fronds (Photo courtesy of Catholic Online)

 

Marcos said that the Holy Week is a time for the Catholic faithful to reflect about one’s self and spirituality with the impact of Jesus Christ in Christianity.
 

“In this solemn occasion, let us not only seek to unravel the mysteries of our faith, but also to illuminate the path for others through acts of kindness and selflessness,” he said in his Holy Week message.
 

“I pray that we may humbly accept our authentic selves as imperfect beings, for it is by becoming truly human that we can experience the divine. Let us always remember to seek the Lord in our desires and to desire Him in our seeking,” Marcos added.
 

The Chief Executive also said that Holy Week is a commemoration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the people must remember the essence of this occasion.

"This hallowed time of contemplative silence behooves us to ponder on the mysteries that elude our grasp, seek revelation in the face of the inexplicable, and acknowledge the interplay of joy and sorrow in life so that we may understand the path laid before us by Almighty God,” he said.

 

“May our inward reflections manifest in our outward actions as we strive to give hope in a world that is threatened by darkness. Let us be the light that shines through the shadows, the love that triumphs over despair, and the hope that radiates upon all humankind,” he added.
 

Marcos expressed hope that the Catholic faithful will remember not what they have reached, but for the light that have kindled in the hearts of everyone.
 

Catholic Christians observe Holy Week, or Semana Santa, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. They usher the Holy Week by attending Palm Sunday masses and other church activities.
 

Schools shift online as DOH monitors spike in flu-like cases

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 24, 2023 02:16 PM 

Noting the rise of flu-like cases in the Philippines, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Tuesday, Oct. 24, said some schools have shifted to online or blended learning to stop the spread of the virus among their students.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa replies to questions from the media during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (RTVM screenshot)

In a Palace press briefing, the official confirmed that the Department of Health’s (DOH) epidemiology bureau is currently monitoring the increasing cases of “influenza-like illness.” 

“Parang tumaas nga (It looked like it really increased). There are some schools that converted to online blended learning because of the number of students,” he told reporters.

The rainy season has contributed to the spike on respiratory illnesses because people are in “closed spaces” and they can really get infected.

Herbosa reminded the general public to remember “self-protection” or the “things we learn(ed) during Covid,” which were to wear a mask if “you have a cough, colds or respiratory illness.”

He also asked the public, especially those in the “high-risk” category, such as the elderly or the senior citizens, to get their flu shot at the health office. 

“And then, kung kayo ay may sakit, respiratory illness, ubo, sipon (if you are sick with respiratory illness, cough, colds), sore throat, it’s better to stay at home than infect all other colleagues in the office or in the school,” Herbosa said.

Last week, DOH data showed that there were 151,375 cases of influenza-like illness cases reported so far this year.

This was 45 percent higher compared to 104,613 cases reported during the same period last year.

From Sept. 3 to 16, 2023 alone, ILI cases increased by 26 percent compared to the reported cases two weeks prior, the DOH added.

Envoys raise concern over China’s latest maneuvers off Ayungin Shoal

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 22, 2023 08:05 PM

  

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Ambassadors from several countries expressed their concern and alarm over the collision incident between a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and Philippine vessels in the disputed West Philippine Sea as they backed the Philippines’ position of upholding maritime order based on a United Nations (UN) convention.

BRP Cabra's (right) port side is bumped by Chinese maritime militia vessel (CMMV) 00003 during a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal on Oct. 22, 2023. (Courtesy of National Task Force for West Philippine Sea)

The ambassadors of Japan, Australia, European Union, Germany, and the Netherlands took to X (formerly Twitter) to sound the alarm on China’s maneuvers in the region.

The United States and Canada have earlier condemned China for its conduct. 

“Seriously concerned about and alarmed by the collision between Chinese and Philippines vessels. (Japan) strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We stand with/by PH’s position; upholding maritime order based on UNCLOS & 2016 Arbitral Award,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko wrote.

German Ambassador to Manila Andreas Pfaffernosche reiterated the international community’s call for China to uphold maritime laws in accordance to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the landmark convention that was the basis of the Philippines’ arbitral win over China’s nine-dash line claim.

“(Germany) is very concerned about recent confrontations in the South Cina Sea involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the exclusive economic zone of the (Philippines),” he said.

“(Germany) calls on all parties to act in accordance with UNCLOS-rules and to respect the 2016 arbitral award,” he added. 

Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu also called out China’s “dangerous manoeuvres” in the disputed waters.

“Australia is concerned by China’s dangerous manoeuvres that damaged (Philippine) vessels and disrupted a (Philippine) resupply mission in the (Philippines’) EEZ,” she said.

“The South China Sea is a vital international waterway for us all. We again call for peace, stability & respect for UNCLOS,” the envoy added.

EU Ambassador to Manila Luc Veron blasted the “very disturbing” incidents, referring to recent and successive tensions between the Philippines and China.

“These incidents, their repetition and intensification are dangerous and very disturbing. We join the Philippines in its call for the full observance of International Law in the South China Sea,” he wrote.

Netherlands Ambassador to Manila Marielle Geraedts echoed her colleagues’ concerns as she retweeted the post of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS).

“Another worrying incident. Glad nobody got hurt. The Netherlands stands with the Philippines in its call for the full observance of International Law in the South China Sea,” she wrote.

The Netherlands is home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which handed to the Philippines its landmark 2016 arbitral tribunal win against China’s sweeping claims that overlaps on the territories of the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Vietnam.

The ambassadors’ statements came after the NTFWPS reported that a CCG vessel collided with a Philippine Army-contracted resupply civilian boat and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel while on a resupply mission to a grounded Philippine vessel in the Ayungin Shoal.

Envoys take good vibes from Germany’s Oktoberfest tradition

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 16, 2023 05:55 PM 

The French and German ambassadors in the Philippines had a blast celebrating Germany’s Oktoberfest tradition in Manila.

October Festival in Manila (Photos from Ambassadors Marie Fontanel and Andreas Pfaffernoschke via X)

This was evident from the posts and photos they shared on X (formerly Twitter) about the German Club’s Oktoberfest at Solaire in Parañaque City and the October Fête at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati.

“Oktoberfest in Manila! What a great party showcasing (German) and (Philippine) hospitality! Great food and original Bavarian beer. Thanks to the German Club for making that possible. See you again next year for the 85th edition!,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke wrote.

The Oktoberfest, hosted by the German Club Manila, happened over the weekend at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City.

The envoy shared some snaps of the festivities where guests where shown making a beer toast.

French Ambassador to Manila Marie Fontanel was also one of the guests at the Oktoberfest, sharing some snaps and videos on X of the party.

She was even photographed in front of the lighted standees that spelled out the word Oktoberfest.

“Yesterday spectacular (Germany) October Festival in Manila (Philippine flag)! Thank you @germanyinphl for your kind invitation to a fantastic celebration! We had lots of fun,” the English translation of her post in French said.

The envoy shared that France and Germany are so close that the embassy “got inspired” to have an October Fête, reminiscent of their annual Fête de la Musique, or the World Music Day, celebrated in Paris.

“(France and Germany) are so close we got inspired and had a "October Fête" today! French style, outside and pedestrian walk, Food trucks,  launching of a biking tour with those impressive guys who biked the Paris-Brest 2023!,” she wrote.

“I was so happy to eat a ‘Complète’ like home in Britanny,” Fontanel added.

The October Fête was held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens over the weekend.

VP Duterte to Davao City barangay bets: Be honest, ensure orderly polls

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 17, 2023 10:52 AM 

Vice President Sara Duterte urged barangay candidates in her hometown of Davao City to ensure an “honest, orderly and peaceful barangay elections” on Oct. 30.

Vice President Sara Duterte meets with barangay candidates in Davao City. (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

Speaking during a recent “Pasasalamat” event at the Davao Convention and Trade Center in Davao City, the official gathered the barangay candidates in her hometown city and reminded them of the importance of having clean elections. 

“Noong nakaraang linggo tinipon natin ang iilan sa mga barangay election candidates ng siyudad ng Davao para bigyan sila ng paalala na paniguraduhin na mangibabaw ang demokrasya sa darating na halalan (Last week, we gathered some barangay election candidates of the City of Davao to remind them to ensure that democracy will work in the coming elections),” she said in a Facebook post.

“Paalala natin sa kanila ang ating kagustuhan na magkaroon ng honest, orderly and peaceful barangay elections sa pamamagitan ng tatlong bagay (We reminded them our goal of having an honest, orderly and peaceful barangay elections through three things),” Duterte added.

Firstly, the Vice President told the candidates not to defame other candidates because nobody is perfect.

Secondly, she asked them never to use violence during the campaign, the election itself, and during the vote counting. 

Duterte said such acts are against the dream of having a secure and progressive country.

“Pang huli, huwag mandaya dahil mawawala ang respeto ng mga tao (Thirdly, don’t cheat because the people will lose respect),” she added.

The Vice President stressed the importance of choosing the right barangay leaders because they serve as “frontliners” during many crises.

“Bumoto tayo sa October 30 at pumili ng mga lider na matatag at masipag sa trabaho (Let us vote on October 30 and choose leaders who are strong and hardworking in their duties),” she furthered.

VP Duterte joins release of 152 baby sea turtles in Davao City

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

  

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At least 152 newly-hatched Hawksbill turtles were released to the sea in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya in Davao City on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

(Photo from Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page)

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte together with students saw the endangered baby turtles returned to their natural habitat along the coastline of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.

They were joined by the Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in releasing the marine hatchlings.

In the photos released by Duterte’s office to the media, students were seen helping the baby turtles crawl back to the sea.

Duterte highlighted the importance of such activity to help enlighten the children and the community about environmental preservation.

“Karamihan ng mga adult turtles na nakukuha natin sa dagat ay meron silang mga problema dahil nakakakain sila ng mga plastic (Most of the adult turtles that we get from the seas have problems because they have eaten plastic),” she said.

“Kaya importante na maintindihan ng mga bata ang (So it’s important the children understand the) life cycle ng (of) turtles at gaano kahirap sila mabuhay (and how hard they live),” she added.

(Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

Fermin Edillon, head of Reputation Department of Davao Light and Power Company, noted the survival of about one in 1,000 hatchlings to adulthood. Hatchlings die of dehydration if they don't make it on time to their natural habitat.

The hatchlings, according to Edillon, came from eggs laid by a Hawksbill turtle that was trapped and rescued in the same coastline in 2017. The turtle went back there to lay eggs in 2021 and this year.

The sea turtles, locally called “pawikan,” were secured by the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in the area to ensure that safety of the eggs.

Launched in 2014, the park is an eight-hectare ecological preserve and biodiversity conservation site managed by AboitizPower subsidiary Davao Light and the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. It has become home to to other endangered turtles like the Green Sea and Olive Ridley turtles.

PH eagle ‘Geothermica’ dies in Singapore; VP Duterte saddened

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Sep 10, 2023 02:28 PM

  

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Philippine male eagle, “Geothermica” or “Geo,” died of infection in Singapore, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore announced.

Philippine eagle Geothermica (Photo by Roslan Rahman, Agence France-Presse)

Geothermica was one of the two Philippine eagles in the Bird Paradise at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. He was 19 years old. 

Before his untimely death on Sept. 7, the male eagle had been under “intensive care in Singapore, receiving the best care possible,” the embassy said.

In a statement, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said she was “saddened” by the passing of Geothermica, which she visited in Singapore last June.

“Known as Geo, his journey was not only of strength and resilience but also a story of friendship between the Philippines and Singapore,” she added.

Geo and female Philippine Eagle “Sambisig” were transferred from the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City to Singapore in 2019 under a Wildlife Loan Agreement between the Philippines and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore. 

The breeding program is a 10-year renewable agreement that was part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the establishment of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

“In tribute to Geo, I join the call to effect change and carry forward his memory as a story of hope and a lasting commitment to the preservation of endangered species,” Duterte said.

On Friday, Sept. 8, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve announced in a statement that Geo died due to severe infection in his lung.

The official stressed that Geo’s and Sambisig’s lives “exemplified the Philippines’ commitment to conservation and underscored the importance of safeguarding our planet's biodiversity.”

“I thank the Mandai Wildlife Group for its exceptional care of Geo. Additionally, I thank the Philippine Eagle Foundation for its cooperation and tireless efforts in the protection and preservation of these magnificent birds,” she added.

The Philippines Eagle Foundation said there are an estimated 392 pairs of Philippine Eagles left.