Former presidential spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo, joined by his son Atty. Salvador Paolo Jr. filed a writ of habeas corpus against the Philippine government on Wednesday, March 12.
On Wednesday morning, Panelo and his son filed a court order before the Supreme Court (SC), stating that the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant cannot be used as the basis to arrest and detain former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In an ambush interview with reporters, Atty. Salvador Paolo Jr. said the ICC no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines. Therefore, what transpired on Tuesday, was a case of illegal detainment.
“Ang mga grounds po natin para sa petisyon na ito, ay unang-una hindi pwede maging batayan ng pag-aresto at pag detena ng dating Pangulong Duterte ang ICC warrant of arrest dahil walang judisdiction ang ICC sa ating bansa,” he explained.
“Kasi ang ICC pwede lang siyang mag exercise ng jurisdiction niya kapag ang national legal system ng bansa ay hindi umaandar. Hindi nag fu-function,” he added.
Atty. Salvador Paolo Jr. furthered that the Supreme Court, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), functions well and has the right to prosecute.
The petition cited statements from the government, which stated how the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country as the Philippine legal system remains intact. Moreover, the attorney said that DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the international court cannot interfere.
“So anong nangyari? Kung dati wala palang jurisdiction, ngayon bakit biglang naging batayan ng pag-aresto at pag-detena sa dating pangulo,” Salvador Paolo Jr. said.
He then cited the extradition treaty, adding that the international court must give the accused a chance to answer the complaint against them and prove his innocence.
“Pero kahit na mayroong treaty na ganon. Mayroong kailangan [na] prosesong sundin. Kailangan bigyan mo ng pagkakataon yung accused na sagutin yung complaint at patunayan na hindi siya dapat ma-extradite,” he said.
Meanwhile, Atty. Panelo emphasized that the government body has violated the law. He claimed that Duterte was forcibly taken and boarded the plane against his own will.
“So yung ilegal na nilang ginawa, sinusundan ‘yan. Madaling sabi, gobyerno ay mayroon pa rin kasalanan,” Panelo stated.
“Kahit saan ka magpunta, you’re still bound by your illegal acts and you have to be accountable, specifically sa Korte Suprema sa pagbigay ng mandato niya,” he added.
Earlier today, it was reported that Duterte’s camp will file a court order against the Philippine government for its "unpatriotic and abject surrender of the country’s sovereignty to ICC, that has no jurisdiction over the former.”
Veronica A. Duterte, the former president’s daughter, will serve as the petitioner.
WATCH: Pinaliwanag ni Atty. Salvador Paolo Jr. na hindi pwedeng maging batayan ng pag-aresto at pag-detain sa dating Pang. Duterte ang ICC arrest warrant dahil walang jurisdiction ang ICC sa ating bansa | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/sivMhiR1kQ
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 12, 2025
