Felipinaz Fernando

Part 2/3 Kaufman: Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges of media hearsay bluster rhetorics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRFsGdAmAsw Kaufman proves Duterte PRRD is Innocent of the invented charges against Duterte ICC Hearing – Confirmation of Charges (Feb 26) During the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing on February 26, 2026, lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman argued that there is no "causal link" between former President Rodrigo Duterte and the killings associated with the war on drugs. Rappler +1 While Kaufman asserted that the prosecution's case has been “shattered into pieces,” a final judicial ruling on whether to proceed to trial is expected within 60 days. | International Criminal Court +1 Key Arguments from the Defense Lack of Direct Orders: Kaufman maintained there is no "smoking gun" or witness who can testify to receiving a direct order from Duterte to commit unlawful killings. Self-Defense Justification: The defense argued that killings in police operations were lawful acts of self-defense and that the prosecution "cherry-picked" inflammatory rhetoric while ignoring statements where Duterte exhorted police to follow the law. Discrediting Witnesses: Kaufman described prosecution witnesses as “confessed murderers” with no credibility and argued that the "Davao Death Squad" (DDS) is a "fictitious construct". Random vs. Systematic: The defense contended that the killings were “random” and “minimal” (roughly 3% of those arrested), rather than a systematic attack on a civilian population. Political Motivation: Kaufman alleged political interference from the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the arrest and surrender of Duterte to the ICC. Facebook +8 Current Status of the Hearing Duterte's Absence: The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I allowed Duterte to skip the February 27 hearing after his defense waived his right to be present. Next Steps: The hearing concluded on February 27, 2026. The ICC judges will now deliberate for up to 60 days to decide whether to confirm the charges for a full trial or dismiss the case. Facebook +3 14 sites Duterte case - | International Criminal Court Feb 17, 2026 — 8. When will the confirmation of charges hearing in the Duterte Case be held? The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled to … | International Criminal Court ICC case vs Duterte ‘shattered into pieces’ after Kaufman … Feb 27, 2026 — Published Feb 27, 2026 10:58 AM PHT. … THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former President Rodrigo Duterte's Filipino legal team is convin… ABS-CBN Highlights: Day 3 of Duterte's pre-trial Feb 27, 2026 — START. ICC pre-trial chamber holds Day 1 of the confirmation of charges hearing against Rodrigo Duterte on February 23, 2026. … …

Rappler

The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte commenced on February 23, 2026, in The Hague. Defense lawyer Nick Kaufman argued that Duterte maintains his absolute innocence, claiming the prosecution "cherry-picked" rhetoric and that his words did not incite violence. | International Criminal Court +2 Key details from the proceedings include: Defense Position: Nick Kaufman, representing Duterte, argued that the former president "stands behind his legacy resolutely" and denies the charges, claiming his statements were taken out of context. Charges: The ICC prosecution is holding Duterte responsible for alleged crimes against humanity, including murders and attempted murders related to the war on drugs. Procedural Status: The Pre-Trial Chamber I found Duterte fit to stand trial on January 26, 2026, rejecting a defense request for an indefinite adjournment. Outcome: The hearing, scheduled from February 23-27, 2026, will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial. | International Criminal Court +3 Disclaimer: The information provided is based on search results for the proceedings as of February 27, 2026. Duterte | International Criminal Court Following a request from the Defence of Mr Duterte for an indefinite adjournment of the proceedings alleging that Mr Duterte is no… Duterte case - | International Criminal Court Feb 17, 2026 — 8. When will the confirmation of charges hearing in the Duterte Case be held? The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled to … | International Criminal Court Duterte deemed 'coward' by critics after declining to attend ICC hearing Feb 24, 2026 — Lead defence lawyer Nick Kaufman told the judges that Mr Duterte "stands behind his legacy resolutely, and he maintains his innoce…

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Part 2/3 Kaufman: Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges of media hearsay bluster rhetorics https://lnkd.in/gqQJmZSQ Kaufman proves Duterte PRRD is Innocent of the invented charges against Duterte ICC Hearing – Confirmation of Charges (Feb 26) During the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing on February 26, 2026, lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman argued that there is no "causal link" between former President Rodrigo Duterte and the killings associated with the war on drugs. Rappler While Kaufman asserted that the prosecution's case has been “shattered into pieces,” a final judicial ruling on whether to proceed to trial is expected within 60 days. | International Criminal Court Key Arguments from the Defense Lack of Direct Orders: Kaufman maintained there is no "smoking gun" or witness who can testify to receiving a direct order from Duterte to commit unlawful killings. Self-Defense Justification: The defense argued that killings in police operations were lawful acts of self-defense and that the prosecution "cherry-picked" inflammatory rhetoric while ignoring statements where Duterte exhorted police to follow the law. Discrediting Witnesses: Kaufman described prosecution witnesses as “confessed murderers” with no credibility and argued that the "Davao Death Squad" (DDS) is a "fictitious construct". Random vs. Systematic: The defense contended that the killings were “random” and “minimal” (roughly 3% of those arrested), rather than a systematic attack on a civilian population. Political Motivation: Kaufman alleged political interference from the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the arrest and surrender of Duterte to the ICC.

Highlights: Day 3 of Duterte's pre-trial

The ICC confirmation of charges hearing for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte commenced on February 23, 2026, in The Hague. Defense lawyer Nick Kaufman argued that Duterte maintains his absolute innocence, claiming the prosecution "cherry-picked" rhetoric and that his words did not incite violence.

Key details from the proceedings include: Defense Position: Nick Kaufman, representing Duterte, argued that the former president "stands behind his legacy resolutely" and denies the charges, claiming his statements were taken out of context. Charges: The ICC prosecution is holding Duterte responsible for alleged crimes against humanity, including murders and attempted murders related to the war on drugs. Procedural Status: The Pre-Trial Chamber I found Duterte fit to stand trial on January 26, 2026, rejecting a defense request for an indefinite adjournment. Outcome: The hearing, scheduled from February 23-27, 2026, will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7434697686882144256/?originTrackingId=N6HnNyKmtzMVnwGh8GUMJg%3D%3D

======================= https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003160351930 Filipina Fernando (Balita Felipinaz) 1.7K followers • 509 following https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003160351930

================ Kaufman : Duterte innocent of false EJK & charges https://ph.pinterest.com/Felipinaz960612TvRadio/kaufman-duterte-innocent-of-false-ejk-charges/

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Part 2/3 Kaufman: Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges of media hearsay bluster rhetorics

https://www.reddit.com/r/duterte/

============= 6174 https://mix.com/!781077353643114496 Michael Jackson performs 'Billie Jean' on the TV show Motown 25 - on May 16, 1983. https://mix.com/!802485539683958784 FREE PINOY FAVORITE INTERNET TELERADIO SHOW

Part 1/3 Kaufman proves Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges of media hearsays, speech bluster

Part 1/3 Kaufman proves Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges of media hearsays, speech bluster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tZisLkywTg During the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing in late February 2026, Nicholas Kaufman, lead defense counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, argued that the prosecution failed to prove his client's guilt. Kaufman's defense centered on the following key points: Inquirer.net +2 No "Smoking Gun": Kaufman asserted there is no direct evidence or "smoking gun" linking Duterte's speeches to specific killings. He argued that the prosecution failed to establish a "causal nexus" between Duterte's orders and the 78 victims identified in the case. "Bluster" vs. Command: He characterized Duterte’s controversial "kill" remarks as "hyperbole, bluster, and rhetoric" intended to instill fear in criminals rather than actual legal directives to commit murder. Hearsay and Media Reliance: Kaufman criticized the prosecution's reliance on what he called "media hearsay," human rights reports, and "insider witnesses" (former Davao Death Squad members), whom he labeled as "self-confessed murderers". Lawful Context: The defense maintained that drug war operations were conducted within a lawful framework of law enforcement activity, arguing that deaths occurred during armed confrontations where police responded to imminent threats. Challenges to the Prosecution: Kaufman challenged the ICC to also investigate the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing statistics of ongoing killings to argue that such violence persists regardless of Duterte’s presence in office. Facebook +13 The three-judge panel is expected to decide within 60 days (by late April 2026) whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial. For live updates and court records, you can visit the Official ICC Case Page for Rodrigo Part 1/3 Kaufman proves Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges of media hearsay bluster rhetorics https://youtu.be/2tZisLkywTg?si=JhUsg53Oqnumv_b8 via @YouTube

Kaufman proves Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges https://ph.pinterest.com/Felipinaz960612TvRadio/kaufman-duterte-innocent-of-false-ejk-charges/

Defense Position: Nick Kaufman, representing Duterte, argued that the former president "stands behind his legacy resolutely" and denies the charges, claiming his statements were taken out of context. Charges: The ICC prosecution is holding Duterte responsible for alleged crimes against humanity, including murders and attempted murders related to the war on drugs. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7434547503943020544/?originTrackingId=7kmeyHm6vkH861ARuVGBug%3D%3D

Duterte ‘maintains his innocence absolutely’ – defense lawyer Agence France-Presse / 07:47 PM February 23, 2026 Nicholas Kaufman| ICC photo This report is part of Inquirer’s special coverage of Duterte at the ICC. For real-time updates, follow our live coverage of the confirmation hearing. THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte “absolutely” maintains his innocence, his defence lawyer told the International Criminal Court, as a pre-trial hearing against him opened on Monday.

Duterte, who was not in court, “stands behind his legacy resolutely” said his lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. “He maintains his innocence absolutely.”

Kaufman acknowledged that his client was “a unique phenomenon” who was “gung-ho in his ways” and was full of “hyperbole, bluster and rhetoric.”

READ: Rodrigo Duterte authorized murders, ICC told as hearings open

However, he accused the prosecution of “cherry-picking” through Duterte’s speeches, adding that many of them insist on the importance of sticking to the law.

The former president’s speeches did not have “lethal intent” but aimed to “instil fear in the hearts” of criminals, said the lawyer.

Asean+3, not the US, is now the world’s largest market The Business Times Kaufman told ICC judges that the evidence against Duterte was “wholly insufficient” and the charges were “grievously misplaced and politically motivated”.

South-east Asia’s governments put AI to work in tourism The Business Times Death of Iran leader Khamenei ‘will not be mourned’ – Australian PM Australian PM Anthony Albanese on Sunday declared that the passing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “will not be mourned.” Inquirer.net WATCH: ICC opens confirmation of charges hearing vs Rodrigo Duterte

The proceedings are a “confirmation of charges” hearing after which judges will weigh whether to move forward to a full trial. That decision will take up to 60 days. /dl

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Kaufman proves Duterte PRRD is Innocent of the invented charges against Duterte ICC Hearing – Confirmation of Charges (Feb 26)

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Part 1/3 Kaufman proves Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges of media hearsays, speech bluster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tZisLkywTg During the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing in late February 2026, Nicholas Kaufman, lead defense counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, argued that the prosecution failed to prove his client's guilt. Kaufman's defense centered on the following key points: Inquirer.net +2 No "Smoking Gun": Kaufman asserted there is no direct evidence or "smoking gun" linking Duterte's speeches to specific killings. He argued that the prosecution failed to establish a "causal nexus" between Duterte's orders and the 78 victims identified in the case. "Bluster" vs. Command: He characterized Duterte’s controversial "kill" remarks as "hyperbole, bluster, and rhetoric" intended to instill fear in criminals rather than actual legal directives to commit murder. Hearsay and Media Reliance: Kaufman criticized the prosecution's reliance on what he called "media hearsay," human rights reports, and "insider witnesses" (former Davao Death Squad members), whom he labeled as "self-confessed murderers". Lawful Context: The defense maintained that drug war operations were conducted within a lawful framework of law enforcement activity, arguing that deaths occurred during armed confrontations where police responded to imminent threats. Challenges to the Prosecution: Kaufman challenged the ICC to also investigate the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing statistics of ongoing killings to argue that such violence persists regardless of Duterte’s presence in office. Facebook +13 The three-judge panel is expected to decide within 60 days (by late April 2026) whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial. For live updates and court records, you can visit the Official ICC Case Page for Rodrigo Part 1/3 Kaufman proves Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges of media hearsay bluster rhetorics https://youtu.be/2tZisLkywTg?si=JhUsg53Oqnumv_b8 via @YouTube

Kaufman proves Duterte is innocent of false EJK & charges https://ph.pinterest.com/Felipinaz960612TvRadio/kaufman-duterte-innocent-of-false-ejk-charges/

Defense Position: Nick Kaufman, representing Duterte, argued that the former president "stands behind his legacy resolutely" and denies the charges, claiming his statements were taken out of context. Charges: The ICC prosecution is holding Duterte responsible for alleged crimes against humanity, including murders and attempted murders related to the war on drugs. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7434547503943020544/?originTrackingId=7kmeyHm6vkH861ARuVGBug%3D%3D

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Duterte ‘maintains his innocence absolutely’ – defense lawyer Agence France-Presse / 07:47 PM February 23, 2026 Nicholas Kaufman| ICC photo This report is part of Inquirer’s special coverage of Duterte at the ICC. For real-time updates, follow our live coverage of the confirmation hearing. THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte “absolutely” maintains his innocence, his defence lawyer told the International Criminal Court, as a pre-trial hearing against him opened on Monday.

Duterte, who was not in court, “stands behind his legacy resolutely” said his lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. “He maintains his innocence absolutely.”

Kaufman acknowledged that his client was “a unique phenomenon” who was “gung-ho in his ways” and was full of “hyperbole, bluster and rhetoric.”

READ: Rodrigo Duterte authorized murders, ICC told as hearings open

However, he accused the prosecution of “cherry-picking” through Duterte’s speeches, adding that many of them insist on the importance of sticking to the law.

The former president’s speeches did not have “lethal intent” but aimed to “instil fear in the hearts” of criminals, said the lawyer.

Asean+3, not the US, is now the world’s largest market The Business Times Kaufman told ICC judges that the evidence against Duterte was “wholly insufficient” and the charges were “grievously misplaced and politically motivated”.

South-east Asia’s governments put AI to work in tourism The Business Times Death of Iran leader Khamenei ‘will not be mourned’ – Australian PM Australian PM Anthony Albanese on Sunday declared that the passing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “will not be mourned.” Inquirer.net WATCH: ICC opens confirmation of charges hearing vs Rodrigo Duterte

The proceedings are a “confirmation of charges” hearing after which judges will weigh whether to move forward to a full trial. That decision will take up to 60 days. /dl

====================================

Kaufman proves Duterte PRRD is Innocent of the invented charges against Duterte ICC Hearing – Confirmation of Charges (Feb 26)

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2026Feb26

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attykauffman

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judgemotoc

judgegansou

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sensationalmedia

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sensationalmediahearsay

mediapropaganda

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defense

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The Philippines formally withdrew from d Rome Statute — d treaty that created d ICC — in March 2019 during Duterte’s admin. However, d ICC has maintained that it retained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was a member-state, particularly those that occurred between 2016 & 2019. Baligod rejected that position, insisting that ICC jurisdiction over d country ended in March 2019. He described d internat'l tribunal’s ongoing proceedings as “manufactured” & not “bona fide.” Baligod claimed that shortly before ICC investigators arrived in d PH Dec 2023, d Marines were instructed to prepare 2 bags containing P56 million supposedly intended for “foreigners.” He said d Marines later identified d individuals as ICC officers who would be interviewing witnesses in the drug war investigation. Ex Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has publicly stated that ICC probers visited d country in Dec 2023 to meet w/ witnesses. Baligod, however, alleged that d investigators interviewed only d witnesses identified by Trillanes, conducted interviews in private properties instead of government offices, and allowed their vehicles, food, & accommodations to be paid for by individuals politically opposed to Duterte. “D ICC investigators themselves committed graft & corruption,” Baligod alleged. D ICC has previously maintained that its investigations follow strict legal & procedural standards. Baligod said he intends to file a complaint before d Office of d Ombudsman based on d affidavits he claims to possess. “I am holding onto a sliver of hope that d Ombudsman will do his job,” he said. If govt institutions do not act on his complaint, Baligod said he is prepared to wait for d next admin to pursue d matter. “We will prove that d conduct of d ICC investigators in d PH was unprecedented bcoz they were dined & wined by people who are publicly known to be opponents of d people hosting them,” he said. As of posting, Malacañang has not directly addressed Baligod’s specific allegations, but d Palace has maintained that d ICC currently has no jurisdiction over d PH & has branded as “preposterous” related claims linking Marcos to supposed ICC maneuverings.

16 exMarines &2 exPH Army delivered 805 billion kickbacks to #PBBM Marcos Romualdez congressThieves https://youtu.be/iFIGv7FWqZc?si=muU2ghGQ8NWPctBC @YouTube @PhilMarineCorps @AFPspokesperson @jaytaryela @JayBatongbacal @SCPh_PIO @SenImeeMarcos @VPPilipinas @mcgidotorg @TeamAFP @luminoustrix @dzrhnews @zaldyco_ @LeandroLeviste @levitobaligod_

16 exMarines &2 exPH Army delivered 805 billion kickbacks to #PBBM Marcos Romualdez congressThieves https://youtu.be/iFIGv7FWqZc?si=muU2ghGQ8NWPctBC @YouTube @PhilMarineCorps @AFPspokesperson @jaytaryela @JayBatongbacal @SCPh_PIO @SenImeeMarcos @VPPilipinas @mcgidotorg @TeamAFP @luminoustrix @dzrhnews @zaldyco_ @LeandroLeviste @levitobaligod_

16 exMarines &2exPH Army delivered 805 billion kickbacks to #PBBM Marcos Romualdez ongressThieves https://youtu.be/iFIGv7FWqZc?si=muU2ghGQ8NWPctBC @YouTube @PhilMarineCorps @jaytaryela @SCPh_PIO @SenImeeMarcos @VPPilipinas @mcgidotorg @TeamAFP @luminoustrix @zaldyco_ @LeandroLeviste @levitobaligod_ @AFP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFIGv7FWqZc 16 ex-Marines and 2 ex-PH army soldiers expose P805-B cash run; Marcos named: Lawyer alleges #ICC probers got cash during Phl visit ANTI-CORRUPTION advocate lawyer Levito Baligod (right), who recently presented alleged evidence (including photos shown left) in connection with the flood control projects controversy, was the former counsel of pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy against businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEROD ORCULLO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE Jerod Orcullo Published on:  25 Feb 2026, 01:29 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday was accused of being the “mastermind” of a multibillion-peso corruption scheme where members of the Philippine Marine Corps were used to deliver suitcases of cash to politicians —including investigators of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Lawyer Levito Baligod made the allegation in a press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan where he appeared alongside 18 former Marines whom he identified as former comrades of “Floodgate” surprise witness Master Sgt. Orly Regala Guteza. Guteza had earlier surfaced in the Senate in connection with its investigation into the anomalous flood control projects. Baligod said he is in possession of sworn affidavits from the Marines detailing repeated deliveries of cash-filled suitcases to unnamed politicians.

Alleged flood control racket According to Baligod, the money —totaling P805 billion — was connected to anomalous flood control projects funded by the national government. Flood mitigation projects have been among the largest infrastructure allocations under recent national budgets, drawing scrutiny from some lawmakers and watchdog groups over alleged overpricing and ghost projects.

Baligod claimed that even before certain flood control contracts could formally begin, Marines were already “remitting” money from the Valle Verde residence of former House Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co in Pasig City.

“Even before their contracts started, they were already remitting cash from Mr. Zaldy Co at his house,” Baligod said in Filipino.

He alleged that Co’s staff would check and verify the amounts inside bags of cash before these were packed into suitcases and delivered to various officials.

Baligod directly implicated President Marcos in the supposed disbursement scheme.

“The root cause and mastermind of the corruption is none other than President Marcos. Both Speaker Romualdez and Zaldy Co won’t act without the orders of PBBM,” he said.

“I hold him responsible because, being the Chief Executive, he is the chief implementer of our laws,” he added.

The President, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Co have not issued statements on the accusations as of press time.

ICC jurisdiction questioned

Baligod expanded his allegations to include ICC investigators who were probing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

The Philippines formally withdrew from the Rome Statute — the treaty that created the ICC — in March 2019 during Duterte’s administration. However, the ICC has maintained that it retained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was a member-state, particularly those that occurred between 2016 and 2019.

Baligod rejected that position, insisting that ICC jurisdiction over the country ended in March 2019. He described the international tribunal’s ongoing proceedings as “manufactured” and not “bona fide.”

Alleged funds for ICC visit

Baligod claimed that shortly before ICC investigators arrived in the Philippines in December 2023, the Marines were instructed to prepare two bags containing P56 million supposedly intended for “foreigners.” He said the Marines later identified the individuals as ICC officers who would be interviewing witnesses in the drug war investigation.

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has publicly stated that ICC probers visited the country in December 2023 to meet with witnesses.

Baligod, however, alleged that the investigators interviewed only the witnesses identified by Trillanes, conducted interviews in private properties instead of government offices, and allowed their vehicles, food, and accommodations to be paid for by individuals politically opposed to Duterte.

“The ICC investigators themselves committed graft and corruption,” Baligod alleged.

The ICC has previously maintained that its investigations follow strict legal and procedural standards.

Ombudsman complaint planned

Baligod said he intends to file a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman based on the affidavits he claims to possess.

“I am holding onto a sliver of hope that the Ombudsman will do his job,” he said.

If government institutions do not act on his complaint, Baligod said he is prepared to wait for the next administration to pursue the matter.

“We will prove that the conduct of the ICC investigators in the Philippines was unprecedented because they were dined and wined by people who are publicly known to be opponents of the people hosting them,” he said.

Palace: ICC has no jurisdiction over Phl

As of posting, Malacañang has not directly addressed Baligod’s specific allegations, but the Palace has maintained that the ICC currently has no jurisdiction over the Philippines and has branded as “preposterous” related claims linking Marcos to supposed ICC maneuverings.

Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, on the other hand, categorically denied Baligod’s claims and is preparing legal action against him and the ex-Marines involved.

Trillanes said he “vehemently denies” receiving any amount from former lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co in connection with the ICC investigation “or any other purpose,” calling the allegation a “blatant lie” intended to discredit the Hague proceedings against Rodrigo Duterte.

He also announced plans to file cyberlibel cases against Atty. Levi Baligod, former Congressman Mike Defensor, broadcaster Jay Sonza, 18 ex-soldiers, and others “maliciously circulating” the claim online, warning: “I will not be distracted. Hahabulin ko kayo.”

Who is Levi Baligod?

Levito “Levi” Baligod is a Filipino lawyer and anti‑corruption advocate known for representing the whistleblowers in the multibillion‑peso PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) or pork barrel scam that led to plunder cases filed against Janet Lim‑Napoles and several lawmakers in 2013.

Hailing from Tuao, Cagayan, he studied Economics and Political Science at the University of the Philippines and Law at San Beda and the University of the East, passing the Bar in 2000.

Baligod ran as an independent senatorial candidate in 2016 on an anti‑corruption platform but lost. He has pursued high‑profile cases, including the Governor Degamo murder and, most recently, alleged flood control and ICC‑linked corruption involving President Marcos and other officials.

Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/24/18-ex-marines-expose-p805-b-cash-run-marcos-named-lawyer-alleges-icc-probers-got-cash-during-phl-visit

Read more Daily Tribune stories at: https://tribune.net.ph/

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Follow us on our social media Facebook: @tribunephl Youtube: @dailytribuneph Twitter: @tribunephl Instagram: @tribunephl TikTok: @dailytribuneofficial

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Jail Bongbong Lisa & Sandro Marcos #PBBM & FM Romualdez who bribed Chantal Daniels & 4 #ICC probers to kidnap & detain an innocent man #PRRD Duterte @ ICC @TeamAFP @SCPh_PIO @indaysara @iampinglacson @NET25TV @zaldyco @dzbb @karadavid @dzrhnews @UN @hrw_ph https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/24/18-ex-marines-expose-p805-b-cash-run-marcos-named-lawyer-alleges-icc-probers-got-cash-during-phl-visit

18 ex-Marines expose P805-B cash run; Marcos named: Lawyer alleges ICC probers got cash during Phl visit

Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/24/18-ex-marines-expose-p805-b-cash-run-marcos-named-lawyer-alleges-icc-probers-got-cash-during-phl-visit

Read more Daily Tribune stories at: https://tribune.net.ph/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFIGv7FWqZc 16 ex-Marines and 2 ex-PH army soldiers expose P805-B cash run; Marcos named: Lawyer alleges #ICC probers got cash during Phl visit ANTI-CORRUPTION advocate lawyer Levito Baligod (right), who recently presented alleged evidence (including photos shown left) in connection with the flood control projects controversy, was the former counsel of pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy against businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEROD ORCULLO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE Jerod Orcullo Published on:  25 Feb 2026, 01:29 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday was accused of being the “mastermind” of a multibillion-peso corruption scheme where members of the Philippine Marine Corps were used to deliver suitcases of cash to politicians —including investigators of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Lawyer Levito Baligod made the allegation in a press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan where he appeared alongside 18 former Marines whom he identified as former comrades of “Floodgate” surprise witness Master Sgt. Orly Regala Guteza. Guteza had earlier surfaced in the Senate in connection with its investigation into the anomalous flood control projects. Baligod said he is in possession of sworn affidavits from the Marines detailing repeated deliveries of cash-filled suitcases to unnamed politicians.

Alleged flood control racket According to Baligod, the money —totaling P805 billion — was connected to anomalous flood control projects funded by the national government. Flood mitigation projects have been among the largest infrastructure allocations under recent national budgets, drawing scrutiny from some lawmakers and watchdog groups over alleged overpricing and ghost projects.

Baligod claimed that even before certain flood control contracts could formally begin, Marines were already “remitting” money from the Valle Verde residence of former House Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co in Pasig City.

“Even before their contracts started, they were already remitting cash from Mr. Zaldy Co at his house,” Baligod said in Filipino.

He alleged that Co’s staff would check and verify the amounts inside bags of cash before these were packed into suitcases and delivered to various officials.

Baligod directly implicated President Marcos in the supposed disbursement scheme.

“The root cause and mastermind of the corruption is none other than President Marcos. Both Speaker Romualdez and Zaldy Co won’t act without the orders of PBBM,” he said.

“I hold him responsible because, being the Chief Executive, he is the chief implementer of our laws,” he added.

The President, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Co have not issued statements on the accusations as of press time.

ICC jurisdiction questioned

Baligod expanded his allegations to include ICC investigators who were probing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

The Philippines formally withdrew from the Rome Statute — the treaty that created the ICC — in March 2019 during Duterte’s administration. However, the ICC has maintained that it retained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was a member-state, particularly those that occurred between 2016 and 2019.

Baligod rejected that position, insisting that ICC jurisdiction over the country ended in March 2019. He described the international tribunal’s ongoing proceedings as “manufactured” and not “bona fide.”

Alleged funds for ICC visit

Baligod claimed that shortly before ICC investigators arrived in the Philippines in December 2023, the Marines were instructed to prepare two bags containing P56 million supposedly intended for “foreigners.” He said the Marines later identified the individuals as ICC officers who would be interviewing witnesses in the drug war investigation.

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has publicly stated that ICC probers visited the country in December 2023 to meet with witnesses.

Baligod, however, alleged that the investigators interviewed only the witnesses identified by Trillanes, conducted interviews in private properties instead of government offices, and allowed their vehicles, food, and accommodations to be paid for by individuals politically opposed to Duterte.

“The ICC investigators themselves committed graft and corruption,” Baligod alleged.

The ICC has previously maintained that its investigations follow strict legal and procedural standards.

Ombudsman complaint planned

Baligod said he intends to file a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman based on the affidavits he claims to possess.

“I am holding onto a sliver of hope that the Ombudsman will do his job,” he said.

If government institutions do not act on his complaint, Baligod said he is prepared to wait for the next administration to pursue the matter.

“We will prove that the conduct of the ICC investigators in the Philippines was unprecedented because they were dined and wined by people who are publicly known to be opponents of the people hosting them,” he said.

Palace: ICC has no jurisdiction over Phl

As of posting, Malacañang has not directly addressed Baligod’s specific allegations, but the Palace has maintained that the ICC currently has no jurisdiction over the Philippines and has branded as “preposterous” related claims linking Marcos to supposed ICC maneuverings.

Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, on the other hand, categorically denied Baligod’s claims and is preparing legal action against him and the ex-Marines involved.

Trillanes said he “vehemently denies” receiving any amount from former lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co in connection with the ICC investigation “or any other purpose,” calling the allegation a “blatant lie” intended to discredit the Hague proceedings against Rodrigo Duterte.

He also announced plans to file cyberlibel cases against Atty. Levi Baligod, former Congressman Mike Defensor, broadcaster Jay Sonza, 18 ex-soldiers, and others “maliciously circulating” the claim online, warning: “I will not be distracted. Hahabulin ko kayo.”

Who is Levi Baligod?

Levito “Levi” Baligod is a Filipino lawyer and anti‑corruption advocate known for representing the whistleblowers in the multibillion‑peso PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) or pork barrel scam that led to plunder cases filed against Janet Lim‑Napoles and several lawmakers in 2013.

Hailing from Tuao, Cagayan, he studied Economics and Political Science at the University of the Philippines and Law at San Beda and the University of the East, passing the Bar in 2000.

Baligod ran as an independent senatorial candidate in 2016 on an anti‑corruption platform but lost. He has pursued high‑profile cases, including the Governor Degamo murder and, most recently, alleged flood control and ICC‑linked corruption involving President Marcos and other officials.

Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/24/18-ex-marines-expose-p805-b-cash-run-marcos-named-lawyer-alleges-icc-probers-got-cash-during-phl-visit

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