SC directs Duterte siblings: Respond to gov't comment on habeas corpus plea

The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the children of former President Rodrigo Duterte to file a response to the government's comment on their consolidated petitions seeking his release.

In a press conference Tuesday, the high court's spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said the SC En Banc directed Veronica "Kitty" Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, and Davao City Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte to respond within a non-extendible period of five days.

"When a court asks a party to comment or respond, it does not mean that it either granted or denied the petition or the prayer," Ting said.

She said the comment was filed by Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty following the recusal of the Office of the Solicitor General.

“[The Court] would also like to see the other side in response to allegations specifically said in the compliance,” she added.

The Duterte siblings sought a writ of habeas corpus to secure the release of their father from his detention.

The former president is currently facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands over his administration's war on drugs. He is currently under the custody of the ICC following his arrest on March 11.

He appeared before the ICC for the first time last Friday via video conferencing. — VDV/AOL, GMA Integrated News