President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ stance against cooperating with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into alleged human rights violations committed during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Speaking to reporters, Marcos stated that his administration will not engage with the ICC, emphasizing that the country has not shifted its position on this matter.
The comments came after questions arose about whether the Philippines would rejoin the ICC following recent remarks from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who said the country might be required to assist in the probe if the ICC sought Interpol’s involvement. Bersamin noted that while the Philippines has no obligation to cooperate directly with the ICC, it must respond if Interpol is enlisted as part of the investigation.
The clarification follows Duterte’s own statements challenging the ICC to investigate him directly in the Philippines, as mentioned during a recent hearing in the House of Representatives. Marcos acknowledged that Duterte’s willingness to face an ICC inquiry is a personal decision, one he does not intend to obstruct. However, he reiterated that this does not imply any formal cooperation with the ICC from the Philippine government.
This controversial stance highlights the Marcos administration’s firm stance against foreign intervention, amid ongoing international scrutiny regarding Duterte’s campaign against drugs, which allegedly involved human rights abuses. The question remains if Interpol will indeed play a role, possibly drawing the Philippines into a cooperative position despite Marcos’ declaration.
