President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Firm on Not Allowing ICC to Interfere with Internal Affairs
Malacañang, the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines, reiterated on Thursday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains firm in his position to not allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to encroach on the country’s internal affairs. This statement was issued by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil in response to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) announcement that it will brief Marcos on the legal options available should the international tribunal issue warrants of arrest for former leader Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s war on drugs.
Philippines Considers Rejoining the ICC
The DOJ also stated that it is studying the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the ICC. In 2018, Duterte ordered the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, citing perceived meddling by the ICC in the Philippine government’s procedures and policies.
Garafil emphasized that while President Marcos Jr.’s stance on the ICC remains clear and consistent, it is the duty of the DOJ to explore all legal avenues and ensure that the President is fully informed of his options. She described the briefing as “standard procedure, not a change in position, ensuring that our administration remains prepared for any scenario.”
President Marcos Jr.’s Position on ICC Jurisdiction
President Marcos Jr. has previously stated that he would not turn over Duterte to the ICC if a warrant for his arrest is issued, as his administration does not recognize the authority of the ICC. He reiterated that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, as the country has a functioning judiciary system.
Duterte’s former presidential legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, criticized the DOJ’s statement, stating that it demonstrates ignorance or pretended ignorance of President Marcos Jr.’s repeated pronouncements that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines. Panelo argued that the ICC’s insistence on subjecting the former leader to its jurisdiction is a threat to the country’s sovereignty. He called on the DOJ to follow the President’s policy on the ICC and refrain from undermining it.
Liberal Party Welcomes Government’s Announcement
The Liberal Party (LP) of the Philippines, through its spokesman, former senator and LP spokesman Leila de Lima, welcomed the government’s announcement and called on the government to reconsider its stance against cooperating with the ICC. The LP believes that the government’s argument of no jurisdiction is fallacious and that cooperation with the ICC is crucial for addressing the serious allegations surrounding the drug war and bringing justice to the countless victims and their families. They see it as an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and human rights.
De Lima, who was detained by the Duterte administration from 2017 to 2023, expressed hope that the DOJ’s briefer for Marcos on the arrest warrant against Duterte is objective. She emphasized the importance of active investigation and prosecution by the DOJ or the Ombudsman to ensure accountability.
Source: The Manila Times