THE HAGUE — Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, has enlisted the help of Dr. Dov Jacobs, a distinguished expert in international and criminal law, to bolster his legal defense at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
On April 3, 2025, at the request of Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, the ICC Registry confirmed Jacobs’ appointment as Associate Counsel for the case, solidifying the team’s commitment to a rigorous defense.
Jacobs Brings Expertise in High-Profile International Cases
Dr. Jacobs is no stranger to handling some of the most complex cases at the ICC. He currently serves as Defense Counsel for prominent figures such as Laurent Gbagbo and Mahamat Said at the ICC, as well as Félicien Kabuga at the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT).
His career is marked by his expertise in international criminal procedure, state responsibility, and legal theory, areas he has contributed to extensively through teaching and publication.
A Career Built on Legal Excellence
Jacobs has also held significant roles as Amicus Curiae in critical ICC cases, including the Afghanistan and Palestine investigations.
As the founder of Strategic International Legal Consulting (SILC), he is well-respected in the legal community and a sought-after figure in global legal circles.
Furthermore, his leadership extends to his role as the Chair of the ICC Bar Association’s Counsel Support Staff Committee, a position he holds with distinction.
Academic and Research Leadership
Dr. Jacobs is also an accomplished academic, holding faculty positions at Leiden University, Sciences Po, and Université de Lille.
He earned his PhD from the European University Institute in Florence and has published widely on topics of international criminal law.
He holds editorial roles at Leiden Journal of International Law and the European Journal of Legal Studies, underscoring his influence on both the academic and practical sides of international law.
The Legal Battle for Duterte’s Future
Duterte, currently in ICC custody following his arrest and transfer to The Hague, faces serious charges of crimes against humanity related to the brutal war on drugs during his presidency.
The involvement of Dr. Dov Jacobs in his defense team adds a high level of credibility and expertise to the case, as he navigates the legal complexities at the international level.
This move is expected to provide a more robust defense as the proceedings continue to unfold, with both Duterte’s legal team and supporters anticipating a thorough examination of the charges brought against him.
