The camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte has pushed back against statements related to the first confirmation of charges hearing, seemingly blaming the media for the spread of what they describe as misleading contexts of Duterte’s remarks.
According to Duterte’s lead counsel, Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, the media allegedly uses “sensational headlines” and “twisted” editorial slants, emphasizing “salacious” content while setting aside the true context.
Kaufman said this approach is meant to capture readers’ attention.
He further claimed that media reports are printed alongside “iconic photographic images” of grieving families and bodies in the rain, which he said add a dramatic element to the coverage.
Meanwhile, another member of Duterte’s legal team, Atty. Salvador Panelo, also responded to remarks made by the common legal representative of victims, Atty. Joel Butuyan.
Butuyan earlier said that the “virus of impunity” allegedly spread by the former president had become a cancer that severely affects Filipinos.
In response, Panelo said he believes what Butuyan was referring to is actually a “virus of lies” or falsehoods allegedly spread by the opposing side.
(PHOTO COURTESY: ICC | screengrab)
