PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to discuss with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Department of Justice (DoJ) said Friday.
In a Palace briefing, DoJ spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano 4th said there was no official communication yet between Marcos and the DoJ regarding the ICC investigation.
“I don’t believe that the secretary and the President have spoken yet. I believe it’s something that has to be discussed between the secretary and the President,” Clavano told reporters.
“They have discussed many things in the past. But they haven’t talked about the issue,” he added.
Last week, the President announced that his administration is studying the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the ICC, which could open the door for ICC prosecutors to probe and prosecute former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos’ statement came after resolutions were filed at the House of Representatives urging the government to cooperate with the ICC.
In 2019, the Philippines under Duterte withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, after the tribunal began a probe into the government’s anti-drug war. It was followed by a formal inquiry later that year.
In January this year, the ICC authorized the reopening of the inquiry that was suspended in November 2021.
In July, the ICC’s Appeals Chamber denied the government’s appeal against the resumption of the inquiry.
After his election as president last year, Marcos had shunned the ICC probe, saying that the court had “no jurisdiction” over the Philippines, and the investigation it was pursuing was a “threat to the country’s sovereignty.”
Opened in 2002, the ICC is the world’s only permanent court for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and aims to prosecute the worst abuses when national courts are unable or unwilling.
The recent announcement by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the Philippines’ potential rejoining of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sparked interest and raised questions about the country’s stance on international justice. However, it appears that there has been no official communication yet between President Marcos and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla regarding this matter, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ).
DoJ spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano 4th clarified in a Palace briefing that discussions between the President and the Secretary have not taken place. He emphasized that this is a topic that needs to be addressed between the two parties. While they have had numerous discussions in the past, the issue of the Philippines rejoining the ICC has not been brought up.
The President’s recent announcement came after resolutions were filed at the House of Representatives, urging the government to cooperate with the ICC. This move has reignited the debate surrounding the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, in 2019. The withdrawal was prompted by the ICC’s decision to initiate a probe into the Philippine government’s anti-drug war. Subsequently, a formal inquiry was conducted later that year.
Earlier this year, in January, the ICC authorized the reopening of the inquiry that had been suspended in November 2021. The government’s appeal against the resumption of the inquiry was denied by the ICC’s Appeals Chamber in July. These developments have led to renewed discussions about the country’s relationship with the ICC and the potential consequences of rejoining the court.
President Marcos, since his election last year, has been vocal in his opposition to the ICC probe, asserting that the court lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines and that the investigation poses a threat to the country’s sovereignty. However, the possibility of rejoining the ICC suggests a potential shift in the government’s stance.
The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, is the only permanent court dedicated to prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity. Its primary objective is to address cases where national courts are unable or unwilling to take action. Rejoining the ICC would potentially allow ICC prosecutors to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in alleged human rights abuses, including former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The discussions surrounding the Philippines’ possible rejoining of the International Criminal Court are ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the government will approach this matter. As the country evaluates its relationship with international justice institutions, it is important to consider the implications and potential impact on the pursuit of accountability for grave human rights violations.
Source: The Manila Times
