Manila: No law legally prohibits the Philippine government from coordinating closely with the International Criminal Court (ICC) even after the country's withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez issued the comment after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that he met with ICC investigators to discuss witness protection in the case against former president Rodrigo R. Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, Martinez stated that despite the withdrawal from the Rome Statute, there is no legal prohibition under Philippine laws that prevents coordination with any international agency or tribunal. He emphasized that such coordination would not constitute a constitutional violation. During a press briefing, Martinez clarified that the current DOJ leadership had not engaged in any meetings with the ICC.

Martinez noted that the DOJ is awaiting the Supreme Court's resolution of pending petitions questioning the legality of Duterte's arrest and possible cooperation with the ICC. He added that due to these pending petitions, the DOJ considers it prudent to wait for the court's decision. However, he reiterated that coordinating with the ICC would not face any legal obstacles under the current circumstances.