Justice Secretary Remulla Addresses President Marcos’ Stand Against ICC Investigation
By: [Author’s Name]
In the midst of President Marcos’ refusal to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into alleged abuses and deaths during the past administration’s illegal drugs operation, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla has expressed the need for serious study on the part of the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the issue.
Remulla emphasized that the Philippines has not been a member of the ICC since 2019, thus diminishing the ICC’s jurisdiction over the country.
This statement was made in response to a recent resolution filed by Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., urging relevant government agencies to cooperate with the ICC’s investigation.
Despite the President’s firm stance against cooperating with the ICC, Remulla admitted that the administration’s position on the issue could still change in the future, as laws are subject to change.
The ICC Appeals Chamber issued a ruling on July 18, denying the Philippines’ appeal against the order for the ICC prosecutor to resume its investigation into the drugs war. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) had filed the appeal, arguing that the Philippines had already withdrawn as a state party of the Rome Statute that created the ICC before the prosecutor ordered the investigation.
This development highlights the ongoing debate and legal considerations surrounding the Philippines’ stance on the ICC investigation. As the issue continues to unfold, it remains a subject of interest and contention within the country’s political landscape.
