Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been authorized to represent government officials in the consolidated habeas corpus petitions filed by the children of former president Rodrigo Duterte before the Supreme Court.
This follows Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra’s decision to decline representation, citing the Office of the Solicitor General’s (OSG) firm stance that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
The petitions, filed by Veronica "Kitty" Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, and Davao City Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, seek the release of the former president from detention at The Hague, Netherlands.
Respondents in the case include Remulla, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Rommel Marbil, PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Chief Major General Nicolas Torre III, former immigration commissioner Norman Tansingco, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner, and Philippine Center on Transnational Crime Executive Director Antonio Alcantara, among others.
Remulla confirmed that the DOJ has submitted its response to the Supreme Court but declined to disclose details. The Supreme Court has directed the respondents to explain why a writ of habeas corpus should not be issued.
The Philippine government has maintained that the ICC’s warrant for Duterte’s arrest was transmitted through Interpol, emphasizing that compliance aligns with the country's international commitments despite its withdrawal from the ICC.
Meanwhile, Malacañang urged Guevarra to assess his ability to continue serving as the government's top legal counsel following his recusal.