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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider SC asks parties to submit memos on ex-Pres Duterte's arrest, turnover to ICC

SC asks parties to submit memos on ex-Pres Duterte's arrest, turnover to ICC

Published Nov 29, 2025 11:45 am  |  Updated Nov 29, 2025 01:26 pm
The Supreme Court (SC) has required the parties in several habeas corpus petitions filed on behalf of then president Rodrigo Duterte to inform the court of the recent developments in his case before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
They were also asked to submit in 30 days from notice an extensive memorandum on interplay between Philippine domestic laws, constitutional rights, and international obligations.
The SC issued the resolution last Nov. 11. It was made public by the SC’s Office of the Spokesperson Friday night, Nov. 28.
Former president Duterte was arrested last March 11 based on an arrest order coursed by the ICC through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for alleged crimes against humanity in his war against illegal drugs as former mayor of Davao City and during the early years of his presidency.
On the same day, Duterte was flown to The Hague in Netherlands where he is now detained. Published reports stated that the ICC had confirmed its decision that rejected Duterte’s interim release.
Immediately after their father’s arrest, siblings Veronica "Kitty" Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, and Davao City Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte sought the release of their father in petitions for habeas corpus.
They told the SC that their father was “abducted” and the “transfer” to the ICC violated his constitutional rights and the country’s extradition laws.
Named respondents in the consolidated petitions were former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Francisco Marbil, former -PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Nicolas Torre III, former solicitor general Menardo Guevarra, former immigration commissioner Norman Tansingco, former foreign affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and Philippine Center on Transnational Crime Executive Director Lt. Gen. Antonio Alcantara, and Captains Johnny Gulla, and Elmo Segovia.
"The parties are directed to inform the Court of any developments that may be relevant to the instant case," the SC said in its notice.
It also said the memorandum should amplify if the present controversy is already moot; if the SC must exercise restraint in view of the ongoing proceedings before the ICC; and whether a writ of habeas corpus must be issued.
Specifically, the SC asked the parties to explain if Article 127(2) of the Rome Statute imposes a continuing obligation to the Philippines to still cooperate despite its withdrawal in 2019; and if the principle of complementarity applies to Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, and if the Executive Branch has the sole discretion to waive this principle, specifically for acts committed when the Philippines was part of the ICC.
The SC asked the parties to present their arguments on whether the former president was legally arrested in compliance with international and domestic laws.
Also, the SC required them to explain if the Red Notice from the Interpol is enforceable within the country, just like a domestic arrest warrant and if the arrest violated Duterte's constitutional and statutory rights.
The Philippines withdrew from the jurisdiction of the ICC in 2019 during the presidency of Duterte.
The Duterte siblings alleged that the arrest of their father and his surrender to the ICC have no basis since the Philippines is no longer a member of the international tribunal.
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