Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has filed a disbarment complaint before the Supreme Court against Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and several other top officials over the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte also named in the complaint Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty and Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon.
According to Duterte’s counsel, lawyer Israelito Torreon, the officials allegedly violated provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), which governs the ethical conduct of lawyers.
“This is connected to the kidnapping and expulsion of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to The Hague,” Torreon told reporters.
The former president was arrested on March 11 in Manila upon his return from Hong Kong and later flown to the ICC headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. He faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
Meanwhile, Remulla downplayed the filing, saying he had anticipated it.
“Kasi he is a lawyer for the Davao group. Kaya ‘yun na ‘yun… Kahit the SC, siya ‘yung nag-file,” he said in a press briefing.
He also called the complaint a form of “forum shopping.”
However, Torreon rejected Remulla’s statement, clarifying that while one aim is to challenge Remulla’s bid for the Ombudsman post, the main purpose is to hold him accountable for alleged violations of legal ethics.
“On the side, if that would affect his appointment, then that’s a consequence of his actions,” he said.
Both Remulla and Fadullon declined to make detailed statements, saying they have yet to review the complaint.
“I cannot comment on something I haven’t read… I will just roll with the punches,” said Remulla.
“I have to see the allegations first before I can intelligently comment,” Fadullon said.
