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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace: OSG's return to Duterte ICC petition 'proper, lawful, and mandated'

Palace: OSG's return to Duterte ICC petition 'proper, lawful, and mandated'

Published Dec 3, 2025 11:47 am  |  Updated Dec 3, 2025 01:49 pm
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro (Betheena Unite)
Malacañang said that the Office of the Solicitor General’s (OSG) decision to reenter the Supreme Court case questioning former president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) is “proper, lawful, and mandated,” stressing that the agency is merely performing its statutory duty.
In a statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said criticism of the OSG’s move ignored the fact that the Office is required to appear in cases involving the Republic.
“Dapat lamang kumilos ang OSG ng naaayon sa batas at naaayon sa kanilang mandato nang walang pinoproteksyunang interest ng iilan (It’s only right that the OSG acts according to law and its mandate, without protecting the interests of a few),” she said Wednesday, Dec. 3.
The OSG’s move comes after it filed a manifestation before the Supreme Court to reenter its appearance in the pending petition for certiorari filed by Duterte and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
The petition lodged by lawyer Israelito Torreon seeks to invalidate Duterte’s arrest and transfer to The Hague on March 11.
In March 2025, under then-Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, the OSG recused itself from participating in all ICC-related cases, citing its position that the Philippines is no longer under the Court’s jurisdiction.
But the Office reversed that stance on Nov. 27, filing a manifestation stating: “After due consideration, the OSG hereby enters its appearance anew… and requests to be furnished copies of all court issuances.”
Current Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe said the reentry was based on a reassessment of the totality of the facts, including those that have unfolded since March 2025.
Meanwhile, Castro distanced the administration from Guevarra’s earlier decision to withdraw, saying the former solicitor general acted based on his own legal interpretation.
“Hindi ang Palasyo ang makakasagot sa naging aksyon at personal na pananaw noon ni former SolGen Meynard Guevarra (The Palace cannot speak for the actions or personal views of former SolGen Guevarra),” she said.
“Sa ngayon ay gumaganap lamang ang OSG sa kanilang tungkulin at itinatama ang dapat na maitama nang naaayon sa batas (For now, the OSG fulfilling its mandate and is correcting what must be corrected in accordance with the law),” she added.

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Claire Castro Rodrigo Duterte OSG
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