Remulla calls Baste Duterte charges "pure political harassment"

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla described criminal and administrative charges filed against him and 10 other government officials by acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte as "pure political harassment."

These charges stem from the turnover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March.

Duterte's complaint includes accusations of kidnapping, arbitrary detention, violations of the Anti-Torture Act, qualified direct assault, expulsion, usurpation of judicial functions, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Remulla stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not defy President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., in serving the ICC warrant of arrest on former President Rodrigo Duterte.

He explained that government decisions can change and their perspective on the matter evolved, particularly with the existence of Republic Act 9851 and security considerations.

Remulla expressed confidence that the Ombudsman would recognize the complaint as harassment and stated that the accused are prepared to face the charges.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte is heading to Japan to attend rallies in Tokyo and Nagoya to call for her father's release from the ICC, stating the trip is for the country and a call to the ICC to release the former President.