DOJ Sec. Remulla opposes Duterte's ICC release bid

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla gave his two cents on former President Rodrigo Duterte's interim release request. For him, it's not appropriate, practical or necessary.

- 

"Well, we don't think that it is an appropriate request. I think that the case should be heard as possible," Remulla told ANC Headstart on Wednesday, June 25.

If the request is granted, he said it may only "do more harm than good."

Duterte's camp sought an "urgent" interim release on June 12 from the International Criminal Court's (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I. This is a request that, if granted, would allow Duterte to be "temporarily free" pending his trial on crimes against humanity charges.

The defense pointed to Duterte's age and declining health in seeking interim release, saying he poses no risk of fleeing or committing further crimes.

They argued the prosecution had no objections to Duterte being sent to an unnamed ICC state party. But the prosecutor rejected their assertion, saying they agreed only to a specific country, not the one the defense proposed.