Robredo on ICC exit: Unfortunate

Vice President Leni Robredo speaks before the students of the University of Luzon about the advocacies of her office during the Kaya Natin! Caravan on Good Governance on Wednesday. She also campaigned for the candidates of the “Otso Diretso” ticket. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President)

DAGUPAN CITY — Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday described as “unfortunate” the Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying there was a reason why the country was a part of it.

“If we go back to the history of the ICC, we were very active in framing the agreement,” Roberto told reporters here.

The ICC is a permanent court that investigates, prosecutes and tries those accused of committing genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.

Robredo visited the vote-rich province of Pangasinan to campaign for the candidates under the “Otso Diretso” ticket.

Robredo said the Philippines knew back then that it was beneficial to have a framework for ICC member countries to follow.

“This was to make sure that the member countries are following the basic tenets not only of human rights but of other safeguards of freedoms and liberties,“ Robredo said.

On March 17, the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC took effect after a one-year notice.

Robredo said the country’s ICC withdrawal has negative implications.

“A more serious implication is: Don’t we believe anymore that the rights of every Filipino are worth fighting for?” she said./lzb