Robin Padilla: Put ‘definite end’ to talks on PH cooperation with ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla has called for an end to any talks of the Philippines cooperating with the “drug war” investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On  Thursday, Padilla reaffirmed his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stand against ICC’s probe on alleged crimes against humanity committed during the time of his predecessor, former President  Rodrigo Duterte.

“Such an issue should have already ended when the Philippines withdrew as a member of the ICC during the administration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” the senator said in a statement.

“I wish to put a definite end to it now because it will bring only confusion to our people,” he also said.

Instead, Padilla urged Filipinos to unite behind the government’s decision to withdraw from the ICC and deny its entry into the country.

All these, he said, are aimed at “ensuring a free Philippines.”

Padilla issued the statement as his counterparts in the House of Representatives opened discussions on a resolution, urging the Philippine government to cooperate with the ICC probe.

Among the individuals mentioned in the complaint filed before the ICC are  Duterte, and former Philippine National Police chief, and now Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela  Rosa.

Dela Rosa already said Tuesday that the resolution in the House, even if approved, “will remain a resolution unless acted upon favorably” by Marcos.

“These government agencies are taking orders from the President and not from Congress,” he pointed out in a statement.

Marcos’ sister, Senator Imee  Marcos, also talked against the Philippines working with the ICC in the drug war probe.

“It will be a big shame for the Philippines when the ICC enters. Don’t allow yourselves to be influenced like that,” Marcos said in Filipino in an interview on Wednesday.

In March 2018, then-President Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.

In July 2021, however, the  Supreme Court ruled that Duterte could not withdraw from treaties unilaterally without the Senate’s concurrence.

READ: Duterte can’t evade ICC, end treaty on his own – Supreme Court

“Withdrawing from the Rome Statute does not discharge a state party from the obligations it has incurred as a member,” the court also said in its decision.