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President Marcos Jr Questions Jurisdiction of International Criminal Court
Presidential Photo
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has maintained his stance on the planned investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the Duterte government's war on drugs. Speaking to reporters during the Philippine Military Academy alumni homecoming at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City on Saturday, the President reiterated that the current administration will not allow the ICC to conduct a probe within the Philippines.
"My position hasn't changed, and I have stated it often even before I took office as President, that there are many questions about their jurisdiction and what we in the Philippines regard as an intrusion into our internal matters and a threat to our sovereignty," President Marcos said.
He added that the Philippines is a sovereign nation and no longer a colony of foreign powers, which is not something the country considers a "legitimate judgment." The President stressed that the country has a good system in its police and judiciary and does not need assistance from any outside entity.
The ICC authorized the resumption of its investigation into the Duterte administration's drug war last January, claiming that it was "not satisfied that the Philippines is undertaking relevant investigations," warranting a deferral of the court's investigations.
President Marcos cited the questions of jurisdiction and the effects on the sovereignty of the Republic as reasons for his decision not to cooperate with the ICC until these issues are sufficiently answered.
The ICC's probe is expected to look into allegations of extrajudicial killings and other abuses in the government's campaign against illegal drugs, which has drawn criticism from various human rights groups. Despite this, the Duterte administration has maintained that its campaign is necessary to curb the drug problem in the country.
As of now, it remains unclear how the ICC will respond to President Marcos' stance on the investigation, which could further strain the country's relations with the international community.
"My position hasn't changed, and I have stated it often even before I took office as President, that there are many questions about their jurisdiction and what we in the Philippines regard as an intrusion into our internal matters and a threat to our sovereignty," President Marcos said.
He added that the Philippines is a sovereign nation and no longer a colony of foreign powers, which is not something the country considers a "legitimate judgment." The President stressed that the country has a good system in its police and judiciary and does not need assistance from any outside entity.
The ICC authorized the resumption of its investigation into the Duterte administration's drug war last January, claiming that it was "not satisfied that the Philippines is undertaking relevant investigations," warranting a deferral of the court's investigations.
President Marcos cited the questions of jurisdiction and the effects on the sovereignty of the Republic as reasons for his decision not to cooperate with the ICC until these issues are sufficiently answered.
The ICC's probe is expected to look into allegations of extrajudicial killings and other abuses in the government's campaign against illegal drugs, which has drawn criticism from various human rights groups. Despite this, the Duterte administration has maintained that its campaign is necessary to curb the drug problem in the country.
As of now, it remains unclear how the ICC will respond to President Marcos' stance on the investigation, which could further strain the country's relations with the international community.
Feb 18, 2023
