Philippines' Solicitor General recuses from Duterte's ICC case

The Solicitor General of the Philippines, Menardo Guevarra, has recused himself from defending President Marcos in a Supreme Court case related to former President Duterte's arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Guevarra stated that the Office of the Solicitor General cannot represent the government due to its position that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Duterte's actions. This development may strengthen Duterte's argument that the Marcos administration does not support the ICC's authority. The Supreme Court has already denied immediate relief for Duterte, but the case continues. It remains unclear if the Department of Justice will take over the defense. Duterte is expected to challenge the ICC's jurisdiction in upcoming proceedings. Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court cannot intervene in ICC matters, as Duterte is now in ICC custody, limiting the Philippine courts' authority over the situation.