The International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to his lead legal counsel.

In a chance interview on Monday, Duterte's lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said that there is a "strong argument" that ICC lacks the ability to exercise jurisdiction over his client.

"I believe there is a strong argument for the lack of ability to exercise jurisdiction, given the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute. I hope that the judges would accept my submission," Kaufman said

"It’s the judges who decide when to hear that argument. Obviously I would want it to be heard, first of all. I believe there are compelling arguments and I would seek to persuade the judges," he added.

Kaufman stated his hope that the ICC judges will hear their jurisdictional arguments before Duterte's scheduled confirmation of charges hearing on September 23.

"They might decide obviously that they won't hear it at the earlier stage as they might want to combine it with the confirmation hearing itself. I hope that will not happen but once again it's not my position now to presume everything", he added. Marie Manalili/DMS