SG declines to rep govt in Duterte kids' ICC case

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has declined to represent government agencies before the Supreme Court regarding petitions filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte's children against his arrest and transfer to The Hague by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Guevarra stated that it is up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. whether he remains in office following his refusal to defend Philippine officials involved in Duterte's arrest, emphasizing that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is not only the government's counsel but also the tribune of the people.

Malacañang advised Guevarra to assess whether he could still perform his duties after his decision to recuse himself from the case.

The respondents in the habeas corpus petition include Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Police Chief Rommel Marbil, and Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra among others.

Guevarra's recusal has fueled the Duterte camp's assertion that the ICC arrest was illegal, with former President Duterte's children filing petitions asking the Supreme Court to declare government cooperation with the ICC unconstitutional and seek the return of their father.