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Advocates Philippines
BBM Affirms Philippines' Non-Cooperation With ICC Investigation On Drug War
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated on Tuesday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, firmly stating that his government will not cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the war on drugs from the previous administration.
During a media interview in Quezon City, President Marcos responded to reports about ICC representatives being in the country, emphasizing his government's stance on non-cooperation.
He clarified that while ordinary people from the ICC are allowed to visit the Philippines, the government will not extend any assistance or cooperation in connection with their investigation.
"Let me say this for the 100th time. I do not recognize the jurisdiction of ICC in the Philippines. 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," President Marcos declared.
He went on to explain that measures are in place to monitor the movements of ICC representatives, ensuring that they do not come into contact with any government agency. President Marcos also directed police personnel and local governments not to cooperate if contacted by the ICC.
"Huwag niyong sasagutin, 'yun ang sagot natin. That we don’t recognize your jurisdiction, therefore, we will not assist in any way, shape or form, any of the investigations ICC is doing here in the Philippines," he emphasized.
The ICC authorized the reopening of the inquiry in January 2023 after its suspension in November 2021. Despite the government's appeal against the resumption of the inquiry being denied by the ICC Appeals Chamber in July 2023, President Marcos remains steadfast in his position.
In November of the previous year, President Marcos mentioned that the possibility of the Philippines returning to the ICC was "under study."
However, he acknowledged challenges related to jurisdiction issues. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, following the ICC's initiation of a probe into the drug war under his leadership.
During a media interview in Quezon City, President Marcos responded to reports about ICC representatives being in the country, emphasizing his government's stance on non-cooperation.
He clarified that while ordinary people from the ICC are allowed to visit the Philippines, the government will not extend any assistance or cooperation in connection with their investigation.
"Let me say this for the 100th time. I do not recognize the jurisdiction of ICC in the Philippines. 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," President Marcos declared.
He went on to explain that measures are in place to monitor the movements of ICC representatives, ensuring that they do not come into contact with any government agency. President Marcos also directed police personnel and local governments not to cooperate if contacted by the ICC.
"Huwag niyong sasagutin, 'yun ang sagot natin. That we don’t recognize your jurisdiction, therefore, we will not assist in any way, shape or form, any of the investigations ICC is doing here in the Philippines," he emphasized.
The ICC authorized the reopening of the inquiry in January 2023 after its suspension in November 2021. Despite the government's appeal against the resumption of the inquiry being denied by the ICC Appeals Chamber in July 2023, President Marcos remains steadfast in his position.
In November of the previous year, President Marcos mentioned that the possibility of the Philippines returning to the ICC was "under study."
However, he acknowledged challenges related to jurisdiction issues. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, following the ICC's initiation of a probe into the drug war under his leadership.
Jan 23, 2024
