Justice Secretary Crispin “Boying” Remulla

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) will provide legal representation to the government over the petitions filed before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking for the return of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippines after being arrested upon the strength of a warrant from the International Criminal Court. 

Justice Secretary Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Tuesday said the DOJ has already submitted their response to the SC as to the writ of habeas corpus petitions filed by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Veronica “Kitty” Duterte. 

“We were given authorization by the Executive Secretary to, kami na ang sumagot, OK na, nabigay na namin ang comment namin kahapon,” Remulla said on Tuesday.

This came after Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, the lawyer of the government, to beg off from defending officials involved in the arrest of Duterte on the belief that the ICC holds no jurisdiction over the Philippines. 

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro also on Tuesday called on Guevarra to assess if he is still fit to function as Solicitor General given his defiance from his mandate. 

Meanwhile, Remulla refused to comment  hypothetically on the government’s next move should the habeas corpus petitions get granted. 

“I cannot answer anything speculative at this point,” Remulla said. 

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