Justice Secretary to Meet Respondents on Duterte Arrest Case
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Thursday that he will convene with fellow respondents in the complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman. This complaint concerns the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I called them to come over so we can coordinate everything and share the legal foundations by which we stand to defend ourselves,” Remulla said during an ambush interview at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Ombudsman Orders Response to Senate Report
The Ombudsman recently ordered Remulla and other officials to reply to the chairman’s report submitted by Senator Imee Marcos. Marcos chairs the Senate foreign relations committee and initiated the inquiry on Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The report revealed that the investigation “uncovered acts by high-ranking government officials which very likely constitute criminal and administrative offenses.” Aside from Remulla, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Rommel Marbil, PNP CIDG chief Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and Special Envoy for Transnational Crimes Markus Lacanilao were also named for further probing.
Defense Strategy and Pending Cases
When asked if they plan to file a joint counter-affidavit, Justice Secretary Remulla said this will be discussed as there are “specific allegations” involved. He also pointed out that “other more serious cases” remain pending before the Ombudsman.
“Hopefully, they’ll also give attention to the other cases that are cold cases right now,” he added. He expressed puzzlement over the process, saying, “Nakakapagtaka kasi lahat kaming mga abugado alam namin may fact-finding ‘yan eh. Hindi basta-basta binibigay ‘yan. So there’s something more to it than meets the eye.”
Duterte’s Arrest and ICC Charges
Former President Duterte was arrested on March 11 in Manila after returning from Hong Kong. He was then flown to The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges at the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity related to his administration’s drug war.
His confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025.