Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte filed a disbarment case on Thursday against Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and several senior officials, submitting the complaint to the Supreme Court.
The legal action also names Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon. Duterte accuses the officials of violating the Canons of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), which regulate the ethical conduct of lawyers in the Philippines.
Duterte’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon, declined to provide specifics of the alleged violations. The complaint stems from the arrest and turnover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March. The proceedings involve serious allegations against the former president.
This filing adds to a series of legal moves launched by Sebastian Duterte against high-ranking officials. The case draws public attention because of the stature of the accused and the international dimension linked to the ICC investigation.
The Supreme Court will evaluate the merits of the complaint and determine whether it proceeds to hearings. Disbarment cases require strong evidence and detailed arguments before sanctions can be imposed.