The ongoing debate over the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Philippines has gained renewed attention following statements from Vice President Sara Duterte and Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office.
Vice President Duterte has expressed concerns over the ICC’s involvement in investigating alleged crimes linked to the administration of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. She questioned whether acknowledging the ICC’s authority would mean that the country has to recognize its jurisdiction, especially since the Duterte family has petitioned the Supreme Court to prevent government cooperation with the international tribunal.
“With that, does it mean that we have to recognize that ICC has jurisdiction over the Philippines? I believe the family of former President Duterte is asking and praying from the Supreme Court that the government should not cooperate with the ICC. So, it means that if we will not cooperate with the ICC, even that prayer or even that manifestation of the ICC, we will not take cognizance of that,” said Vice President Duterte.
Undersecretary Castro, speaking on behalf of the Presidential Communications Office, emphasized that the government must carefully consider its next steps before making a final decision on the matter.
“That is something they have to think about. The administration has to think about what their next steps are. So, they should not ask the family, the Filipino people, what their next steps are with regard to the talk on the return of former President Duterte to the Philippines,” said Usec. Castro. She added that any discussions on the issue should be conducted within the proper channels before any formal plans are announced.
The Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under the Duterte administration, arguing that the court had no jurisdiction over the country’s affairs. However, recent developments and petitions have reignited debates on whether the government should engage with the ICC’s proceedings.
Legal experts and political analysts are closely monitoring the situation as the Supreme Court deliberates on the petition filed by the Duterte family. The government’s stance on the issue may have significant implications for international relations and the country’s legal obligations under previous treaties.
As of now, Malacañang has yet to release an official statement regarding the government’s final decision on cooperating with the ICC.
