Manila:President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is steadfast in his decision that the Philippines will not rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) at this time, as stated by Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made this announcement following U.S. President Donald Trump's call for ICC member-states to withdraw from the tribunal, which he criticized as a 'rogue institution' during his speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Castro emphasized that the Philippines respects Trump's position but reiterated that Marcos' stance on staying out of the ICC remains unchanged. She noted that the President's previous statements on the matter still reflect his current position.
The Palace has communicated to the U.S. its stance concerning the ICC's scheduled trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity related to his drug campaign. Castro expressed confidence that recent developments would not affect the proceedings of Duterte's case.
She assured that the hearings are ongoing and being respected by all parties involved, including complainants, lawyers, prosecutors, and the defense.
The Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC on March 17, 2019, following Duterte's decision to leave the Rome Statute a year earlier, in response to an ICC prosecutor's examination into his anti-drug operations. Duterte, now detained at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, faces charges of crimes against humanity purportedly committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
