Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government is not yet discussing the possibility of rejoining the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the International Criminal Court (ICC), after it served an arrest warrant from the tribunal against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Fedinand Marcos Jr. wanted the spokesperson to say that there are no talks about the issue..
“As we speak, we have not yet discussed any plan of rejoining the ICC. Iyong huli po nating nakausap ang pangulo, tinanong po natin iyan nang personal at siya’y ngumiti lamang at sasabihin ko daw dapat na wala pa talagang napag-uusapan patungkol doon,” said Castro.
[Translation: The last time we spoke with the President, we asked him personally, and he just smiled and told me to say that no discussions have taken place regarding that matter]
She said the country “did the right thing” after ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah told NewsWatch Plus that the court was grateful for the cooperation of Philippine authorities in serving the warrant.
“Sumasang-ayon ang ICC na ang pag-surrender natin sa dating Pangulong Duterte ay naaayon din sa kanilang batas or rules,” Castro said.
[Translation: The ICC agrees that our surrender of former President Duterte is in accordance with their laws or rules.]
The ICC spokesperson said the Philippine cooperation underscores Manila’s commitment to international accountability mechanisms.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of the Philippine authorities, and we think this shows their commitment to international accountability mechanisms. This is important,” El Abdallah said.
Despite the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, El Abdallah said the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a state party.
“For us, the legal framework is clear. While the Philippines has withdrawn from the ICC Rome Statute, the court retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during the period when the country was still a member. This framework gives the ICC the authority to continue its investigation and prosecution,” he said.
Duterte reportedly “surrendered” to ICC custody following an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I for charges of murder as a crime against humanity. He could become the first Asian leader to stand trial at the ICC.
The court investigation focuses on Duterte’s alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings linked to the so-called Davao Death Squad, which operated during his tenure as Davao City mayor and continued in the early years of his presidency.
Human rights organizations estimate that around 30,000 people were killed in Duterte’s war on drugs.
Rejoining Rome Statute
The ICC reiterated its call for countries, including the Philippines, to become parties to the Rome Statute.
“We call on all states, including the Philippines, to join the ICC Rome Statute. It’s important for international criminal law, for peace around the world, and for the future,” El Abdallah said.
He acknowledged that the decision to rejoin remains a sovereign choice for the Philippines.
“Of course, the Philippines has withdrawn from the Rome Statute, but it can rejoin through the ratification process. This is a sovereign decision that we fully respect,” he added.
