MANILA, Dec. 2 -- The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has formally asked the Supreme Court (SC) to allow it to represent the government officials named in the suit filed last March by lawyers of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronaldo dela Rosa challenging the country's cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a manifestation dated December 1, Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe said the OSG is taking back its earlier plea to inhibit from the case during the time of her predecessor, former solicitor general Menardo Guevarra.

"After due consideration, the OSG hereby enters its appearance anew as counsel for all the respondents in the case," Berberabe said.

The consolidated petitions filed by Duterte...