SC urged to hold oral arguments for 3 petitions challenging Duterte's arrest

The Supreme Court (SC) was asked to set for oral arguments the three consolidated petitions for habeas corpus which challenged the arrest and turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the Netherlands last March 11 of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte.

- By REY PANALIGAN

The former president is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his operations against illegal drugs that prompted the ICC to order his arrest.

The plea for oral arguments was contained in a motion filed on Monday, April 7, by Duterte's daughter, Veronica, through the Panelo Law Office.

Veronica, and two other Duterte children-Davao City Mayor Sebastian and Davao City Representative Paolo― separately filed the petitions last March 12 challenging the arrest and subsequent turnover of their father to the ICC. They pleaded the SC to grant their habeas corpus petitions and nullify the arrest and turnover to the ICC of their father.

The Writ of Habeas Corpus is a citizen's legal remedy against alleged illegal arrest and detention.

The SC had required the respondents in the petition, led by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, to file their comments.

With the recusal of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) in the petitions, Executive Secretary Bersamin authorized the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file a consolidated compliance for all respondents to the show cause order issued by the SC.