The lead legal representative for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly refuted claims that he obstructed visits to Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague. This statement follows a heartfelt video plea from Duterte’s longtime partner, Honeylet Avanceña, who expressed frustration over her perceived inability to visit the former leader.

In a video interview released by a local vlogger, Avanceña directly addressed Duterte’s counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, asserting, "Mr. Kaufman, I’m not asking for any favors. I’m not discussing the case. I rarely get to speak with any of your associates, so I am addressing you directly."

She described Duterte’s emotional state since leaving office, emphasizing his ongoing struggle with depression. "Even after his presidency, he developed depression," Avanceña said emotionally. "Please have mercy on him. You’re only able to talk to him for one hour a day, but you don’t see him the other 23 hours. I am certain he is suffering from depression, and now you’re preventing me from visiting him."

Responding to these allegations, Kaufman issued a statement clarifying his role in the visitation process. He said, "For judicial reasons and out of respect for family privacy, I am neither able nor required to comment on the accuracy of Honeylet Avanceña’s claims regarding denied access to the ICC detention center."

He further explained that visitation rights fall under the jurisdiction of the detention center authorities, with judges intervening only when necessary. "Contrary to Ms. Avanceña’s assertions, these rights are not determined by counsel, but by the ICC officials."

Kaufman also assured the public that the former President’s health is being properly monitored and managed by those who are in daily contact with him.

As of now, the ICC has yet to release any official statement addressing Avanceña’s concerns. Duterte remains under investigation at the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign.