SC clarifies: CJ Gesmundo canceled trip to The Hague

In response to social media posts and journalist inquiries, the Supreme Court (SC) clarified on Saturday night that Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo did not travel to The Hague as planned from March 12 to 17.

Chief Justice Gesmundo had initially issued a Special Order designating Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen as acting Chief Justice for his trip, but canceled the journey.

Despite the SC being on recess until March 31, Chief Justice Gesmundo led virtual deliberations on petitions related to former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest warrant issued by the ICC.

The SC decided not to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) and instead ordered respondents, including Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, to file comments within ten days.

Gesmundo also presided over deliberations regarding habeas corpus petitions filed by Duterte’s children, resulting in a show cause order directing the respondents to explain why a writ of habeas corpus should not be issued within 24 hours.