The Department of Justice on Friday declared that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines since the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute treaty that established the tribunal.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in a statement, implied that the DOJ won’t allow the enforcement of any warrant of arrest against former President Rodrigo Duterte that may be issued by the ICC in connection with its probe of the bloody drug war by the previous administration.
This developed as more than half of Filipinos support the ongoing ICC investigation into the Duterte government’s campaign against illegal drugs, according to a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
The survey, conducted from Dec. 8 to 11, found that 53 percent of the respondents agree with the statement that the ICC “should investigate drug-related killings during the Duterte administration.”
Senator Christopher Go, Duterte’s longtime aide, also dismissed rumors of an ICC-issued warrant for alleged crimes against humanity.
Go emphasized Friday that he had not heard or seen any official confirmation of the warrant and, asserted that the ICC had no jurisdiction over the Philippines, which withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019.
He stressed that President Marcos had already declared numerous times that the government would not cooperate with the ICC, which meant that local law enforcement agencies would not recognize nor assist ICC in their investigations.
“How can they arrest him if there’s no coordination with local authorities,” Go said.
Remulla said: “As the Secretary of Justice, I firmly assert that the International Criminal Court (ICC) holds no jurisdiction over the Philippines. Our nation, as a sovereign entity, possesses the inherent right to determine our own legal framework and address internal matters without any interference from external bodies.”
He stressed that the country’s withdrawal from the ICC clearly showcases the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to upholding national sovereignty and preserving the integrity of our justice system.
“We have consistently demonstrated our preparedness, willingness, and capability to thoroughly investigate and prosecute crimes committed within our jurisdiction, ensuring that justice prevails for all our citizens,” he said.
The DOJ chief emphasized that the presence of ICC and any other international bodies within the country “must adhere to our Constitution and relevant laws.”
“Our justice system is robust and functional, fully equipped to safeguard the rights of our people, irrespective of their color, race, beliefs, or creed,” he said.
In the SWS survey, at least 25 percent voted that they “strongly approve” of the proceedings and 28 percent said they “somewhat approve” of the ICC investigation.
Support for the ICC probe increased from the 45 percent (20 percent “strongly approve” and 25 percent “somewhat approve”) obtained in a similar survey conducted by SWS in March 2023.
Those who disapprove of the ICC investigation decreased from 24 percent to 21 percent. Those who were undecided decreased from 31 percent to 26 percent.
The latest survey also found that 57 percent of the respondents agree that the government should allow the ICC investigation regarding the drug-related killings during the Duterte administration.
It was up nine points from just 48 percent in the March survey.
Nineteen percent said the government should not allow the ICC investigation, down from 20 percent, while 25 percent were undecided, down from 31 percent.
Asked about their knowledge regarding the ICC investigation, 14 percent said it was “extensive,” while 30 percent said it was “partial but sufficient.”
Meanwhile, some 29 percent of the respondents said they had “much trust” that the ICC will be able to conduct an impartial investigation into the drug-related killings during the Duterte administration.
It was up from 22 percent obtained in the March 2023 survey.