By Bea Jane Serna

“Bakit tila may pag-aalinlangan yata?”

In response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision of barring the country from rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized that it is “regrettable,” although acknowledging that “it is the prerogative of the President.”

Photo Courtesy of Human Rights Watch/GMA News

After discussing the administration’s strategy on the ICC’s investigation of the Philippines, the decision was finalized following the chief executive’s meeting with his top lawyers and officials last week. 

“It is the prerogative of the President, though it is regrettable as the Rome Statute is the collective commitment of the community of nations against state-sponsored impunity,” the solon highlighted.

Despite disagreeing with the president’s decision, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also agreed that it is Marcos Jr.’s privilege to decide whether to join a treaty or an international organization.

“I disagree with his decision BUT since he is the President, it is his decision which will be followed,” he said.

As local investigations into the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte have resumed, Marcos questioned the need to resume such a probe.

“Ang sinasabi naman namin, may imbestigasyon naman dito. Patuloy naman and imbestigasyon bakit magkakaroon ng ganoon,” he reiterated during the PinasLakas booster event held in Pasig City. 

With the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court only taking effect in March 2019, the ICC previously mentioned that it still retains jurisdiction over the alleged crimes that had been committed while the country was still a member of the tribunal. 


Edited by Kriztelle Sitoy