Ex-Marines’ cash delivery story likely meant to discredit ICC – Palace

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday said the bribery allegations made by former members of the Philippine Marines against the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an attempt to tarnish the credibility of the tribunal which is currently conducting confirmation of charges hearings on the crime against humanity against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Malamang, kung anuman ang motibo nila, malamang na maaaring i-discredit at tanggalan ng kredibilidad at integridad ang ICC,” said Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro at a briefing.

(Most likely, whatever their motives are, it is likely that they will discredit and strip the credibility and integrity of the ICC.)

The former Marines, through Atty. Levito Baligod alleged that the ICC’s expenses in the Philippines while investigating Duterte’s case were funded by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and former Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.

In response, the ICC Office of the Prosecutor issued a statement affirming the independence of its probe and noting that “strict” regulations govern the disclosure of information on its cases.

“As a matter of policy, the Office does not comment on operational matters with respect to ongoing investigations and prosecutions. This is essential to protect the integrity of investigations and operations, to ensure the safety and security of victims, witnesses, and all those with whom the Office interacts, as well as its staff,” the ICC said.

READ: ICC investigations independent, self-funded – Office of the Prosecutor

It further said that its activities are “funded through the Court’s budget approved by the ICC Assembly of States Parties and subject to established oversight mechanisms.”

“The costs related to OTP prosecutions and investigative activities, including mission expenses, are fully covered by this budget, and managed strictly by the Office in an independent and transparent manner, and in accordance with ICC financial rules and regulations,” it added. /gsg