Top execs to obey Ombudsman

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said the government officials tagged in the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte would comply with the order of the Office of the Ombudsman to file their counter-affidavits.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement after the Ombudsman directed Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Nicolas Torre, Philippine National Police chief Rommel Francisco Marbil, Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes Markus Lacanilao to respond to the complaint regarding the legality of Duterte's arrest.

The probe stemmed from a request filed by Sen. Imee Marcos, who called for an inquiry into the involvement of certain high-ranking officials in the Duterte-ICC case.

In a press briefing, Castro acknowledged the Ombudsman's swift action and affirmed that the administration would cooperate fully.

"We are aware of the powers of the Ombudsman. In response to Sen. Imee Marcos' complaint, the concerned officials will comply and submit their counter-affidavits," Castro said.

"And again, we will say, what they did was in accordance with the law," she added.

Asked if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had issued a directive regarding the matter, Castro reiterated the President's consistent stance on legal compliance.

"The president always says: follow the law, follow procedures that are valid and legal," the Palace official said.

When pressed by reporters on whether the speed of the Ombudsman's action was unusual, Castro declined to speculate.

"I have nothing to say, all I can say is that they really act quickly," she said.