Veronica “Kitty” Duterte has formally requested the Supreme Court to schedule oral arguments for the consolidated habeas corpus petitions aiming to secure the release of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
In a 14-page motion filed Monday, Kitty emphasized that the case raises urgent constitutional issues and novel legal questions that bear national significance and public interest.
“The ruling on these petitions could shape public confidence in the Judiciary and determine the scope of accountability for high-ranking officials,” she stated.
She said oral arguments would foster transparency and allow the justices to openly examine the legal and constitutional complexities surrounding the case.
Kitty, along with her half-brothers Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, contends that the ICC has no legal authority over the Philippines. They maintain that their father’s arrest based on an ICC warrant is invalid due to the country’s withdrawal from the tribunal in 2019.
Government lawyers, however, argue the case is moot, noting that Philippine authorities no longer have physical or legal custody of Duterte. They referenced a local law allowing the Philippines to defer to international courts in cases already under investigation abroad.
Kitty argued that oral arguments are essential to clarify these opposing legal views and resolve ambiguities through direct questioning from the Court.
Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11 and appeared before the ICC three days later. He faces charges of crimes against humanity tied to the controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency. The confirmation hearing is scheduled for September 23.