Veronica Duterte urges SC to swiftly rule on legality of FPRRD arrest
By Ivy Tejano
SUPREME Court (FB)
DAVAO CITY – Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, the youngest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has urged the Supreme Court to immediately rule on petitions challenging the legality of her father’s arrest and surrender.
Veronica, through lawyer, Salvador Panelo, cited an “urgent and continuing deprivation of liberty” in her appeal.
She said that the former Chief Executive’s constitutional rights may have been violated.
The Supreme Court had earlier consolidated several related petitions, but no final decision has been made.
In March, Veronica stated that her petition for her father’s release remains valid, even while he is in the custody of the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
In a 34-page response, she argued that Philippine authorities could still be ordered to secure his return and that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines after its withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.
“Respondents should not be allowed to escape the habeas corpus petition by claiming he is no longer in their custody,” Veronica added.
Veronica maintained that her father’s arrest and transfer to The Hague were illegal under Philippine law following the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute.