Manila, Philippines — Amidst the consolidated petition filed by the Duterte siblings hoping for the return of the family’s patriarch, former President Rodrigo Duterte, from his arrest, the Department of Justice steps in as the legal representative of the Philippine government regarding the case.
In a statement, DOJ secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that the agency will be defending the government officials listed as the respondents of the consolidated habeas corpus petition filed by the Dutertes.
“We were given authorization by the Executive Secretary to, kami na ang sumagot, OK na, nabigay na namin ang comment namin kahapon,” said Remulla.
This came after the Office of the Solicitor General expressed its decision to be recused from the case, firmly stating their position that the International Criminal Court no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines.
The OSG, at times like this, serves as the default lawyer of the government.
Following his recusal, the Malacañang Palace did not directly acknowledge whether Solicitor General Atty. Menardo Gueverra’s position as the Justice chief during the Duterte administration influenced the decision.