FILE

MANILA, Philippines — In a surprising move, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has officially stepped away from the habeas corpus petitions filed by the children of former President Rodrigo Duterte, citing a conflict with its long-standing stance against the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Basically, the OSG, led by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, is saying: We’ve made it crystal clear that we don’t recognize the ICC’s authority over the Philippines, so we can’t effectively defend the government’s position in this case.

In a manifestation submitted to the Supreme Court, the OSG explained that its firm position against ICC jurisdiction makes it impossible to properly represent the respondents, including key government officials like Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

What’s This Habeas Corpus Petition About?

Duterte’s children, including Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, filed separate petitions for habeas corpus, a legal remedy used to challenge unlawful detention or custody. Their petitions stem from the ICC’s arrest warrant against the former president, who is facing allegations related to the controversial war on drugs.

With the OSG stepping back, the legal battle over Duterte’s arrest just got even more complicated. Who will now take up the government’s defense? That remains to be seen.