False claims have surfaced on social media alleging that fictional characters will represent former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The posts, which gained traction after Nicholas Kaufman's withdrawal as Duterte’s legal counsel, name characters like Annalise Keating and Harvey Specter as part of the defense team.
These claims emerged in various Facebook groups on May 9, with the post about Keating receiving over 29,600 reactions and 1,700 shares.
Other posts falsely state that Specter and Mike Ross have been appointed as Duterte's lawyers, misleading followers further.
All named characters are from popular television legal dramas. Annalise Keating is from *How to Get Away with Murder*, while the others are from *Suits*.
Context of the Claims
Nicholas Kaufman’s withdrawal is linked to his one-year contract, which ended on March 31, 2026. During a visit on May 7, Duterte expressed the intent to hire new counsel.
Kaufman noted that continuity in representation would be maintained with a new lawyer, details of whom remain undisclosed.
The ICC confirmed all charges against Duterte earlier this year, advancing the legal proceedings against him.
I am convinced that the continuity and efficacy of Mr. Duterte’s representation will remain assured through the replacement lawyer, who has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court.
Nicholas Kaufman
Rappler has previously debunked similar misinformation about Duterte's legal affairs, highlighting the ongoing issue of fake news surrounding his ICC case.