PRESIDENT Bongbong Marcos Jr. maintains his stance on the ICC investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil’s response indicates the administration’s unchanged position on the ICC issue.
This comes after Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano revealed that the department’s legal team is preparing for all scenarios to show Marcos the progress of the ICC investigation.
The DOJ is preparing a legal briefer on the government’s legal options for a possible ICC arrest of former President Duterte.
This includes the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the ICC after withdrawing in 2019.
According to the PCO, it is the DOJ’s duty to explore all legal avenues and ensure the President is fully informed of his options.
“However, it is the duty of the Department of Justice to explore all legal avenues and ensure that the President is fully informed of his options,” said Sec. Cheloy Garafil, Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The PCO has also emphasized that this is standard procedure and not a change in position.
“This is standard procedure, not a change in position,” added Garafil.
Malacañang assures that the administration remains prepared for any scenario.
Marcos previously stated that the Philippines would not cooperate with the ICC if they issue an arrest warrant against Duterte and others.
Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo believes there is no need for a DOJ legal briefer for PBBM unless there is a plan to change the country’s position towards the ICC.
Panelo also stated that surrendering FPRRD to the ICC would be a serious violation of the Constitution.
“I do not think the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PNP will violate the Constitution by surrendering our sovereignty. That is in violation, in gross, grave violation of our Constitution if that is neglected,” Atty. Salvador Panelo, Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel stated.
During a peace rally in Dumaguete City organized by MAISUG, former President Duterte mentioned the alleged ICC warrant against him for the drug war during his presidency.
FPRRD insisted he would not be swayed by the ICC’s threat of a warrant of arrest.
“I don’t care. But for my country.”
“Where were you when we needed help? And now you come, and you’ll imprison me?”
“What you’re doing is rude. I will also be rude to you. Do not be enslaved by white people,” according to Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Republic of the Philippines.
