Legal experts highlight the distinct nature of international criminal law as the Philippines navigates the ongoing case against former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Analysts point out that one of the main challenges in discussing the ICC within the country is the tendency to interpret it through familiar legal frameworks. However, international criminal law operates as a separate and complex system that requires a deeper understanding.
“The difficulty in explaining the ICC in the Philippines stems from our inclination to fit it into conventional legal categories. In reality, international criminal law stands apart in many ways,” noted a legal expert.
This distinction is evident in the ICC’s jurisdiction, procedures, and principles, which differ significantly from domestic legal systems. As the country continues to engage with the implications of the ICC case, experts stress the importance of recognizing the complexities and unique nature of international criminal law.
