Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday strongly rejected allegations raised before the International Criminal Court (ICC) that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sought to 'neutralize' former president Rodrigo Duterte's legacy. The claim was made by Duterte's legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, during his opening statement at the ICC's confirmation of charges hearing, where Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges linked to his anti-illegal drug campaign.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro described Kaufman's accusation as 'preposterous.' Castro stated, "Kaufman has the temerity to accuse President Marcos of trying to neutralize Duterte's legacy. That is preposterous." She noted that the timeline of the case contradicts the allegation, emphasizing that the crimes against humanity cases were filed before the ICC in 2017, when President Marcos Jr. was still a private citizen.

Castro, a lawyer, also criticized the defense for allegedly failing to directly address the accusations. She remarked, "Kaufman does not offer a clear defense for his client's alleged extrajudicial killings, which reportedly happened during Duterte's time as mayor." Furthermore, she cited statements made by one of Duterte's counsels, Silvestre Bello III, who admitted that Duterte killed someone by throwing him out of a helicopter. Castro urged, "He should learn the facts of his case rather than focus on political rhetoric."

During the hearing, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang accused Duterte, 80, of being an indirect co-perpetrator in alleged 'widespread and systematic' killings committed from November 2011 to March 2019, covering his tenure as Davao City mayor and as president. Despite these accusations, Duterte's camp has maintained his innocence, with Kaufman asserting that the former president "stands behind his legacy resolutely."