Veronica "Kitty" Duterte has expressed strong criticism of the Supreme Court's failure to address a petition seeking her father's return to the Philippines. She claims this inaction represents a serious violation of personal liberty.
In a motion filed through her lawyer, Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., Kitty Duterte stated that the Court's delay undermines the very protections it is supposed to uphold. The petition aims to facilitate former President Rodrigo Duterte's immediate return to the country.
The motion comes on the heels of a tense incident in the Senate, where National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents allegedly attempted to arrest Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
Footage from the Senate on May 11 showed dela Rosa fleeing from NBI agents, prompting accusations of a constitutional violation.
Kitty Duterte contends that the executive branch's actions are an assault on legislative independence and violate parliamentary immunity. She argues that the Court's silence enables further constitutional breaches.
The younger Duterte's motion emphasizes Senate Resolution No. 44, which aims to protect Filipinos from what she describes as "extrajudicial rendition." This resolution underscores the need for due process and national sovereignty.
Despite ongoing ICC proceedings against her father, Kitty Duterte insists that their petitions remain pressing and relevant. She calls for immediate action from the Supreme Court, stressing its role as the guardian of constitutional rights.
The Court's duty to declare what is legal, just, and right can no longer be delayed.
Kitty Duterte's Motion
Kitty's statements reflect growing concerns about the judiciary's role in protecting citizens' rights amidst escalating political tensions.