Duterte signs off on British-Israeli lawyer as defense counsel

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a document on his engagement of British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman as his defense counsel in the International Criminal Court, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said on Monday.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras," Medialdea made the confirmation after he visited Duterte at the Scheveningen Prison. Duterte is under the custody of the ICC to face crimes against humanity charges in connection with the killings under his war on drugs.

"Okay naman siya, he's in very high spirits... Medyo nakahabol na ng tulog," Medialdea said when asked how Duterte was.

Medialdea said his visit to the former president lasted for an hour. He said there were many protocols to follow before he could meet Duterte. 

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also made clear that Vice President Sara Duterte will not be a part of the defense team.

"Dahil sa saligang batas natin ay may pagbabawal sa pag-practice ng propesyon," Roque said. –NB, GMA Integrated News