Charges filed vs 5 officials on ex-Pres Duterte's arrest covered by sub-judice rule – DOJ
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the officials directed by the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) to answer the complaints filed by Sen. Imee Marcos on the alleged illegality of the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte will ask for more time to submit their counter-affidavits.
In an interview after his meeting with his co-respondents on Friday, May 9, Remulla said the issues subject of Senator Marcos’ complaints are sub judice (pending judicial consideration) because of several petitions filed before the Supreme Court (SC).
Duterte’s three children have challenged before the SC their father’s arrest last March 11 and his turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of crimes against humanity.
The SC has yet to resolve the issues raised in the petitions.
Duterte is now detained at The Hague, Netherlands.
“Wala pa ngang determination ang Supreme Court sa nangyari (The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on what happened),” Remulla told journalists.
He reminded that the sub judice rule prohibits parties from making comments on cases pending before the courts.
“It is so hard to answer something that is sub judice,” he pointed out.
“We might have to get an extension kasi (because) the period of 10 days is not enough,” he also said.
Aside from Remulla, also ordered by the OMB to file counter-affidavits on the complaints filed by Senator Marcos were his brother, Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and Special Envoy for Transnational Crimes Markus Lacanilao.
They were accused by Senator Marcos of arbitrary detention under Article 124 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), usurpation of judicial functions, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and violation of Republic Act No. 7438 which defines the rights of detained persons.
The complaints were based on the hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations which is chaired by Senator Marcos.
The OMB acted on the complaints and directed the five respondents to file their counter-affidavits, not a motion to dismiss, within 10 days from receipt of the order.