SC orders officials to explain why habeas corpus should not issue for detained Duterte

The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered government officials involved in former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest to explain within 24 hours why a writ of habeas corpus should not be issued.

Three petitions for habeas corpus, filed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Representative Paolo Duterte, and Kitty (Veronica) Duterte, have been consolidated by the SC.

The court en banc directed respondents in the petitions to show cause within a non-extendible period of 24 hours from receipt of notice why the peremptory writ of habeas corpus should not issue; however, since the deadline falls on a weekend, explanations are expected to be filed on Monday, March 17.

Respondents named include Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr., Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, and others involved in the arrest and detention of Duterte.

The Duterte children argue that their father has been illegally arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which they claim lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines.