Malacañang has publicly defended the decision of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to seek the Supreme Court's approval to represent the Philippine government in a significant petition concerning the country's cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
OSG Acting Within Legal Mandate, Says Palace
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro asserted that the OSG's actions are firmly within the bounds of the law. She emphasized that the office is duty-bound to defend the government and its officials in legal matters involving state actions and policies.
"It is only right that the OSG act in accordance with the law and in line with its mandate, without protecting the interests of a select few," Castro stated in Filipino.
This defense comes after the OSG, in a formal manifestation dated December 1, requested permission from the Supreme Court to represent government officials named in a petition. That petition was originally filed in March by lawyers representing former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
Shifting Position on ICC Investigation
The core issue of the petition challenges the Philippines' continued cooperation with the International Criminal Court's ongoing investigation into the controversial anti-illegal drugs campaign conducted during the Duterte administration.
Castro clarified that the current Palace cannot answer for the past actions or personal stances of the former solicitor general, Meynard Guevarra, regarding the ICC. She stressed that the present OSG leadership under Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe is simply fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.
"The OSG is merely performing its duty and correcting what needs to be corrected in accordance with the law," she explained.
In line with this, Berberabe confirmed that the OSG is formally withdrawing its earlier plea, made during Guevarra's tenure, to inhibit itself from the case.
Palace Hits Back at Vice President's Criticism
The Palace statement also addressed criticisms from Vice President Sara Duterte. Castro suggested that efforts to discredit Malacañang's messaging were an attempt to divert public attention from recent findings by the Commission on Audit (COA) involving the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Castro claimed that COA's reports, which cited incomplete documents, unverified beneficiaries, and gaps in financial reporting, contradicted the OVP's statements about its sound planning and fund management.
"The Vice President does not want the people to listen to the messages of the Palace because they become aware of the truth and learn about the President's programs for the nation," Castro alleged.
She questioned where the public should place its trust, pointing to what she described as misinformation spread by the Vice President and her allies, and noted the OVP's alleged failure to provide clear information on its fund use due to non-compliance with regulations.
