SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go has emphasized the importance of the Philippines’ judicial independence, particularly in light of possible International Criminal Court (ICC) interventions in the country’s internal affairs.
In an interview on Thursday, November 30, during the break of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the General Appropriations Bill, Go referenced the affirmations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte about their trust in the functionality of the Philippine judicial system.
“First of all, former President Duterte has already spoken. The Philippine Government has withdrawn membership from the ICC. And President Bongbong Marcos said that we have a working judicial system in the Philippines,” he said.
Go emphasized the strength of Philippine democracy, highlighting the country’s leadership under a democratically elected president, contrasting it with nations typically scrutinized by the ICC, which are riddled with lawlessness, criminality, and dictatorships.
The senator also cited remarks made by former Supreme Court Chief Justice, now Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who said that “the Philippines already has a functioning justice institution and that the procedures are in place.”
Go stressed the importance of the international community respecting Philippine jurisdiction in its judicial matters.
“Filipinos should be judged only by fellow Filipinos before Philippine courts operating under Philippine laws. ICC has no right and business to meddle in our internal affairs where our courts remain fully operational,” he said.
In July this year, Marcos signaled an end to the Philippines’ cooperation with the ICC regarding their probe into Duterte’s war on drugs, noting that there were no pending appeals or actions, thereby concluding the country’s dealings with the ICC.
On March 17, 2018, then-president Duterte notified the United Nations secretary-general of the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC. Under the provisions of the ICC treaty, the complete withdrawal took effect one year after the notification date.
Vice President Sara Duterte also reiterated her disapproval of collaborating with the ICC in their inquiry into supposed violations in the implementation of the war on drugs of the previous administration.
The recent statements by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go regarding the importance of judicial independence in the Philippines have sparked a discussion on the country’s stance towards the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its role in the nation’s internal affairs.
Go’s reference to the affirmations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte highlights the trust placed in the Philippine judicial system by these prominent figures. It demonstrates their belief that the country has a functioning justice institution that can effectively handle internal matters.
The senator’s emphasis on Philippine democracy and the country’s democratically elected leadership provides context for understanding the need for judicial independence. By contrasting the Philippines with nations plagued by lawlessness, criminality, and dictatorships, Go underscores the strength of the country’s legal system.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice, now Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, further supports Go’s statements by affirming the existence of a functioning justice institution in the Philippines. This acknowledgment reinforces the credibility and reliability of the country’s judicial processes.
Go’s call for the international community to respect Philippine jurisdiction in its judicial matters is an assertion of the country’s sovereignty. He argues that Filipinos should be judged by their fellow countrymen in Philippine courts operating under Philippine laws. This stance reflects the desire to maintain full control over internal affairs without external interference.
The Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, as signaled by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and formally notified by former president Rodrigo Duterte, further solidifies the country’s position on the matter. The decision to end cooperation with the ICC regarding the probe into Duterte’s war on drugs signifies the conclusion of the country’s dealings with the international court.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s disapproval of collaborating with the ICC in their inquiry into alleged violations during the previous administration’s implementation of the war on drugs aligns with the government’s stance. It reinforces the commitment to handle internal matters internally, without external intervention.
In conclusion, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s emphasis on the importance of judicial independence in the Philippines provides valuable insights into the country’s stance on the International Criminal Court and its role in internal affairs. The affirmations of prominent figures, the credibility of the Philippine justice institution, and the country’s withdrawal from the ICC all contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The Philippines’ commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and handling internal matters internally is a testament to its strong democratic foundation and functioning judicial system.
Source: The Manila Times
