Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21) — Two senators have filed resolutions opposing the resumption of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
READ: EXPLAINER: ICC and its authority
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Monday filed Senate Resolution No. 492 expressing “strong opposition” to the ICC’s decision, saying it is “disrespectful” of the Philippines’ sovereignty and undermines “the country’s fully capable judicial system.”
Estrada noted the government’s efforts in reviewing the war on drugs operations, which he said prompted the filing of criminal cases against some abusive police officers.
“This clearly shows the commitment of our government in ensuring that erring individuals will be brought to justice,” he wrote.
Estrada also echoed the argument that the government has the first responsibility and right to prosecute crimes in the country.
He added that the tribunal may only exercise jurisdiction where the national legal systems fail to do so, “which was not the case for the Philippines.”
On the same day, Senator Robin Padilla — a known supporter of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte — filed Senate Resolution No. 488, seeking to defend the former chief executive from investigation or prosecution by the ICC.
Padilla said Duterte ushered “remarkable accomplishments brought about by his relentless campaign against illegal drugs, insurgency, separatism and terrorism, corruption and criminality.”
He also maintained that the country has a “functioning and independent” judicial system and does not need the ICC to conduct a separate investigation.
Several lawmakers from the House of Representatives likewise earlier sought to declare “unequivocal defense” of Duterte against any ICC probe.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber said it has decided to resume its investigation because it is not convinced that the Philippine government is “making a real or genuine effort” to conduct probes and criminal prosecutions.
