Manila: The United States understands the Philippines' position on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Malaca±ang stated Thursday, amid the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the international tribunal.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the ICC was not a topic of discussion during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Malaca±ang on Wednesday. Instead, she noted that Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez had addressed the ICC issue separately with the US State Department.

Castro reported that Romualdez conveyed to US officials that the ICC issue remains a 'sensitive matter' for the Philippines, emphasizing the nation's residual obligations and its cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). She mentioned that Romualdez sought the US officials' response and was assured of their understanding of the Philippine government's stance.

The Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, in 2019 under then-president Rodrigo Duterte following the tribunal's move to initiate a preliminary examination into his administration's anti-illegal drug campaign. Despite the withdrawal, the ICC declared it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a State Party to the Rome Statute from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.

Currently, the ICC is investigating purported crimes against humanity related to Duterte's anti-drug campaign, actions implemented during his tenure as Davao City mayor and subsequently as president. Duterte was apprehended by Interpol in March last year under an ICC warrant and transferred to The Hague, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity.

Additionally, former Philippine National Police chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, who spearheaded the nationwide anti-drug campaign during Duterte's presidency, has also been identified by ICC prosecutors as a subject of investigation and is reportedly in hiding.

The Marcos administration has consistently stated that although the Philippines is no longer an ICC member, it acknowledges certain residual obligations under international law and has shown cooperation with Interpol concerning requests related to ICC proceedings.