Baste petitions SC for father's release amid ICC transfer

Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in the Supreme Court, seeking the immediate release of his father.

The petition, filed Wednesday morning, calls for the unconditional release of Duterte, who is currently detained and set to be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The petition argues that Duterte's detention and transfer are based on an “unverified and unenforceable ICC warrant," which was not properly served in accordance with Philippine legal procedures. It describes the move as a “grave violation of Philippine sovereignty, the Constitution, and international legal principles governing state jurisdiction.”

The petition further contends that subjecting a Filipino citizen, particularly a former head of state, to foreign jurisdiction without due process under Philippine law disregards the country's right to exercise jurisdiction over its citizens for acts allegedly committed within its borders.

On the same day, Duterte’s daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, also filed a separate petition for habeas corpus through legal counsel, demanding the immediate return of her father.

Duterte was arrested on Tuesday for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign known as the war on drugs.

The former president is currently being taken to The Hague to face charges related to the drug war. The plane carrying Duterte made a layover in Dubai on Wednesday morning.