Manila – Philippine senators have reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s decision not to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte's war on drugs. This affirmation comes amid discussions on the country's foreign policy and the jurisdiction of international bodies.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Imee Marcos, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed her agreement with the President's clear stance on the issue. Her statement was in response to a Senate resolution filed by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, which urged President Marcos to cooperate and assist the ICC in its investigation in the Philippines.
Senator Marcos emphasized the President's prerogative in such matters as the chief architect of the country's foreign policy. "The decision to cooperate or not is one for the Executive, and my brother, the President of the Philippines, has already made it clear that the ICC has no jurisdiction to conduct the probe. I share that view," she said.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, in an interview with ANC on Monday, also supported the President's decision, highlighting the effectiveness of the Philippine justice system and the inappropriateness of ICC interference. Dela Rosa stressed the importance of respecting the President's decision and the sovereignty of the Philippine legal system.
The issue gained further attention last week when a resolution was filed in the House of Representatives, urging the Marcos administration to collaborate with the ICC. This resolution, filed by House Human Rights Panel chairperson Bienvenido Abante Jr. and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, calls for cooperation in the investigation of alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte's presidency.
The stance taken by President Marcos and supported by senators reflects the ongoing debate over international intervention in national legal matters and the sovereignty of the Philippine judicial system.
