Dutere't children file SC petitions for father's return from ICC

Veronica 'Kitty' Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte, and their brother Davao City Representative Paolo 'Pulong' Duterte have filed petitions before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking the return of their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was arrested and flown to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Lawyer Salvador Panelo will assist Veronica at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, challenging the Philippine government's actions, including detaining Duterte without proper legal representation and surrendering him to the ICC.

The SC has not released any action on the three petitions as of posting time today, March 13, and will deliberate on them immediately.

All petitions claim that former President Duterte needs medical attention which has been denied by authorities despite requests and highlight the principle of complementarity, asserting that local courts should have primary jurisdiction over crimes against humanity.

The SC was informed that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines due to its withdrawal from the tribunal in 2019.

Petitioners also argue that Duterte's arrest and detention are illegal under Article II, Section 7 of the Constitution which upholds national sovereignty and territorial integrity.