THE International Criminal Court (ICC) poses a threat to the sovereignty of the Philippines.
This was emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. following the statements that the ICC has no jurisdiction in the country.
The President made the statement when asked to clarify reports that ICC representatives are in the country and whether the government allowed them entry.
In an interview at an event in Quezon City on Tuesday morning, PBBM said he considers the ICC a threat to Philippine sovereignty.
Therefore, the Philippine government will not cooperate in any way with the ICC’s investigation into the previous administration’s war on drugs.
“Let me say this for the 100th time. I do not recognize the jurisdiction of ICC in the Philippines. I do not, I consider it as a threat to our sovereignty. The Philippine government will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts,” according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
Nevertheless, ICC members can still visit the Philippines as ordinary individuals.
He also said that the Philippine government is monitoring the actions of the foreign court to ensure that it does not engage with any government agency.
However, if the ICC does engage with government agencies such as the police and local governments, President Marcos said he has instructed them not to cooperate with its representatives.
“Do not respond to them. That is our answer. We don’t recognize your jurisdiction; therefore, we will not assist in any way, shape, or form, in any of the investigations the ICC is conducting here in the Philippines,” President Marcos added.
To recall, the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 during the Duterte administration.
DOJ receives no confirmation from DFA on ICC entry in the Philippines
The Department of Justice (DOJ) reiterated the President’s position regarding matters related to the International Criminal Court.
According to the DOJ, the Philippines does not have a legal obligation to comply because it has already withdrawn its membership in the ICC.
As a sovereign nation, the DOJ declared that the Philippines has a robust justice system capable of addressing internal issues without external interference.
The Philippine government has also demonstrated its readiness and ability to investigate and prosecute any crimes committed within its territory.
Therefore, any presence of international bodies like the ICC within the country’s jurisdiction should be in accordance with the Constitution and related laws.
The DOJ further emphasized that any foreign entities conducting official activities within the country’s territory should obtain prior approval and consent from relevant departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and DOJ.
As of now, the DOJ has not received any official communication or confirmation regarding the ICC’s presence in the country. The agency has not received any advisory from the DFA that the ICC has indeed entered the Philippines.
