Fact check: Fake quote card claims ICC deputy prosecutor will support Duterte in trial

December 16, 2025 | 3:46pm

MANILA, Philippines — A fake quote card circulating on social media falsely claimed that an International Criminal Court deputy prosecutor and judge named "Ambawtukahm Mandiaye Niang" would replace Prosecutor Karim Khan and help former President Rodrigo Duterte prove his innocence in the upcoming trial.

The quote card, which was shared by several Facebook pages and accounts, was accompanied by a copy-pasta caption presented in a breaking news format that read:

Isang bagong ICC Deputy Prosecutor na si Judge Ambawtukahm ang umano’y itinalaga kapalit ni Karim Khan. Ayon sa mga kumakalat na ulat, nangako raw si Judge Ambawtukahm na tutulong kay dating (Sint Maarten Flag emoji)  Pangulong Rodrigo "Tatay Digong" ???? Duterte ???? sa kanyang Trial sa ICC.

(A new ICC deputy prosecutor, Judge Ambawtukahm, was allegedly appointed to replace Karim Khan. According to circulating reports, Judge Ambawtukahm promised to help former President Rodrigo "Tatay Digong" Duterte in his trial at the ICC.)

Nauna nang nabalita na si Karim Khan ay umano’y tinanggal sa puwesto kasunod ng mga alegasyong siya ay binayaran ng gobyerno ni Bangag Jr.

(It was earlier reported that Karim Khan was allegedly removed from his post following claims that he had been paid by the government of Bangag Jr.)

Meanwhile, the quote card also falsely attributed to a certain Ambawtukahm Mandiaye Niang a statement invoking "Rule 34," in which he claimed to support Duterte and ensure a fair review of the facts during the trial.

"In accordance with RULE 34, I am committed to supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte in his pursuit of the truth and ensuring a fair examination of the facts regarding his innocence."

Rating: This is fake. 

Facts

There are several reasons why these claims are false. First, there is no ICC judge or deputy prosecutor named Ambawtukahm Mandiaye Niang. The deputy prosecutor who replaced Khan after he took a leave of absence in May is Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang. 

Niang also took charge of the Office of the Prosecutre alongside ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan. 

The image used in the quote card does not depict Niang, as it does not match the deputy prosecutor’s facial features or public profile. 

The name "Ambatukham," which was appended to Niang’s name, also refers to the viral meme "Ambatukam," associated with the internet personality "Dreamybull," who is known for comedic skits and online content. The term gained traction after one of Dreamybull’s songs featured sexually suggestive lyrics.

Meanwhile, the cited "Rule 34" of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence simply stipulates the grounds for disqualification of a judge, prosecutor or a deputy prosecutor. It does not state the appointment of any officer at the international tribunal.

At the same time, Khan was not disqualified. He is only on leave due to a pending investigation by the United Nations into sexual misconduct allegations.  

Niang has not issued any statement regarding Duterte’s trial. His most recent filing related to the case was submitted on December 8 to the Appeals Chamber and addressed the court’s jurisdiction. He has also not made any public statement on the case. 

Why we fact-checked this

The ICC Appeals Chamber unanimously denied Duterte’s request for interim release on November 28, agreeing with the Pre-Trial Chamber that he continues to pose a threat to the investigation and victims, especially amid his sustained political backing.

What the international tribunal has yet to decide on is whether Duterte is fit to stand trial, with a team of medical experts recently completing their evaluation of his current condition. 

The fake quote card was shared by Facebook pages Viral Ngayon, which has 67,000 followers; Mr JV with 216,000 followers; and Duterte Supporter Daily News with 2,000 followers.