MANILA, Dec. 3 -- Malacanang on Wednesday defended the Office of the Solicitor General's (OSG) move to seek the Supreme Court's (SC) permission to represent the government in the petition challenging the country's cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the OSG is acting within the bounds of the law, noting that it is duty-bound to defend the government and its officials in cases involving state actions and policies.

"Dapat lamang kumilos ang OSG ng naaayon sa batas at naaayon sa kanilang mandato nang walang pinoproteksyunang interes ng iilan (It is only right that the OSG act in accordance with the law and in line with its mandate, without protecting the interests...