Lawyer Denies Honeylet’s Claim: ‘Visiting Rights Not His Call!

Nicholas Kaufman, legal counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, has denied allegations made by Duterte’s common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, claiming that Kaufman forbade her from visiting Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, Netherlands.

“Contrary to Ms. Avanceña’s claims, visitation rights are not decided by counsel but by the detention center authorities, with judges intervening only when necessary,” Kaufman said in a statement on Monday, August 4.

In an interview uploaded by Boldyak TV on August 1, Avanceña said she was barred from visiting the former president after a phone conversation with Duterte on July 19, during which she allegedly mentioned something related to his case.

Avanceña insisted that she did not discuss anything about Duterte’s case because Kaufman had not provided her with any information regarding it.

“I have nothing against you. But please don’t prevent us from seeking legal advice from other lawyers. We acknowledge you as his counsel,” she said addressing Kaufman.

“I understand you’re protecting your legal practice. I don’t know what you’re trying to prove, but we are genuinely concerned about this man’s wellbeing,” she added.

She also appealed to Duterte’s lawyer to show compassion for the former president.

“Have mercy… I’m 110% sure he is suffering from depression. And now you’re denying me the chance to visit him — at least he should have family to talk to.”

However, Kaufman assured that the former president’s health is being carefully monitored and managed by those who see him daily.