Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has raised concerns over the Office of the Ombudsman’s handling of its investigation into the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
According to Remulla, the Ombudsman’s approach lacks clarity and proper procedure. He pointed out that no fact-finding investigation had been conducted prior to initiating the probe, casting doubt on its legal foundation.
Remulla emphasized his readiness to submit a counter-affidavit in response to any allegations, asserting that he is prepared to defend his position regarding the government’s actions.
The investigation stems from a recommendation by Senator Imee Marcos, who urged the Ombudsman to look into potential violations by government officials. These alleged offenses include graft, grave misconduct, usurpation of judicial functions, and arbitrary detention related to Duterte’s arrest.
Despite the recommendation and the launch of the probe, Remulla maintained that no laws were violated by government officials in carrying out the arrest of the former president.
