Legal Counsel Denies Blocking Honeylet Avanceña’s Visits to Duterte at ICC

Nicholas Kaufman, the legal counsel representing former President Rodrigo Duterte, has dismissed accusations from Honeylet Avanceña claiming he was responsible for preventing her from visiting Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague.

In a statement released on Monday, August 4, Kaufman clarified that decisions regarding visitation rights are not within the purview of legal counsel but are managed by the detention center officials, with judicial oversight when needed. He stated, "Contrary to Ms. Avanceña’s claims, visiting rights are not determined by Counsel but rather by the detention centre authorities with the intervention of the judges when necessary."

Avanceña, Duterte’s common-law spouse, alleged during a video interview published on August 1 that following a phone call with Duterte on July 19 — during which she reportedly made comments related to his ongoing case — she was subsequently barred from visiting him.

However, Avanceña denied discussing any legal matters concerning Duterte’s case during that phone call and expressed her lack of access to legal counsel or pertinent case information. Addressing Kaufman directly, she stated, "I have nothing against you. Pero please do not deprive us of asking legal opinions from other lawyers. We acknowledge you as his lawyer."

She further suggested that Kaufman’s actions might be motivated by concerns over his legal practice, emphasizing their primary concern for Duterte’s welfare. "I know you are protecting your lawyer practice. I don’t know if you’re trying to prove something pero kami, we are concerned about the life of this man," Avanceña said.

Avanceña also made an emotional appeal to Kaufman, stressing her worries about Duterte’s mental state and urging to be allowed to visit him for his sake. "Maawa ka naman… I am 110% sure na may depression na ‘yan. Ngayon dine-deprive mo ako na mabisita siya at least may makausap siya na family," she said.

In response, Kaufman reiterated that Duterte’s health is under continuous and careful supervision by those who maintain daily contact with the former president. "The former President’s health is being carefully managed and monitored by all those with whom he has daily contact," Kaufman affirmed.