President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is facing renewed calls to bring the Philippines back into the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability. Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares is among those urging the administration to reconsider the country’s ICC membership, emphasizing its role in delivering justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.
The Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019 after the court launched an investigation into the alleged human rights violations tied to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Despite this, the tribunal has continued to examine Duterte’s actions, citing possible crimes against humanity.
Colmenares believes the ICC’s ongoing case should serve as a wake-up call, urging the government to rejoin and allow international oversight in addressing past and future human rights concerns. The call for renewed membership has sparked national debate, with human rights advocates pushing for greater transparency and accountability in governance.
