Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday defended the Office of the Solicitor General’s (OSG) move to seek the Supreme Court’s (SC) permission to represent the government in the petition challenging the country’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the OSG is acting within the bounds of the law, noting that it is duty-bound to defend the government and its officials in cases involving state actions and policies.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that the OSG’s actions are aligned with its legal responsibilities, stating that it is only right for the OSG to act in accordance with the law without protecting the interests of a select few. This statement came after the OSG, in a manifestation dated Dec. 1, sought the SC’s permission to represent government officials named in the petition filed in March by lawyers of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa. The petition raised questions about the Philippines’ continued cooperation with the ICC’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
Castro further noted that the Palace cannot account for the previous actions or personal positions of former solicitor general Meynard Guevarra on the ICC issue. However, she stressed that the current OSG leadership is merely fulfilling its legal responsibilities by correcting what needs to be corrected in accordance with the law. Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe mentioned that the OSG is withdrawing its earlier plea to inhibit from the case during Guevarra’s tenure.
Additionally, Castro addressed criticisms from Vice President Sara Duterte, suggesting that efforts to discredit Palace messaging are intended to divert public attention from issues recently flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) involving the Office of the Vice President (OVP). She claimed that the OVP’s statements regarding its planning and fund management were contradicted by COA findings, which cited incomplete documents, unverified beneficiaries, and gaps in financial reporting.
Castro questioned where the public should direct their attention, suggesting that the Vice President and her allies are spreading misinformation, while failing to provide clear information on fund utilization due to noncompliance with laws, rules, and guidelines.
