DOJ to rep officials in Duterte chldrn's habeas corpus petitions

The Department of Justice will represent government officials in consolidated habeas corpus petitions filed by the children of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the Supreme Court.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced Tuesday that they received authorization from the executive secretary to handle these cases, following the recusal of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

On March 17, the OSG requested the Supreme Court to recuse it from representing the government respondents in the habeas corpus petitions due to its 'firm stance' that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the country.

The DOJ's involvement underscores their commitment to addressing legal issues related to high-profile cases, as they have already filed their comment on the matter.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra also filed a motion to drop himself as a party respondent, saying that he is not involved in the case, while Palace Press Officer Claire Castro suggested that Guevarra should assess his capacity as Solicitor General following this recusal.