Palace says case of political detainee whose child died under court’s jurisdiction, not executive

October 12, 2020

Malacanang distanced itself on Monday over the death of an infant who was separated from her detained mother.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace is saddened by the death of three-month old River Nasino, who was admitted in a hospital due to bacterial infection.

"This incident is really saddening but the President (Rodrigo Duterte) cannot do anything about it. That is under the jurisdiction of our court," he said.

"The decision lies wholly with the regional trial court and the regional trial court ruled. We respect the decision and the executive will implement that decision," Roque explained.

Prior to the child's death, groups petitioned the Manila Regional Trial Court to allow Nasino to attend to her ailing daughter in the hospital.

The court dismissed the petition on ground that the authorities could not cover Nasino's hospital detention.

Nasino is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Celerina Monte/DMS