Senate backs Philippine bid for int’l court seat

Moves to include the Philippines among parties to an international tribunal that can try cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression made crucial headway at the Senate on Tuesday night.

The Senate approved on second reading a resolution concurring with the 2002 Rome Statute, bringing the country closer to becoming a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

No actual head count was made during the vote, although Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Joker Arroyo voted no to the resolution.

During debates, Arroyo noted that the United States took an active role in drafting the statute but was hesitant to allow its servicemen to be covered by its provisions.

Separate speeches

Earlier, Senators Miriam Defensor Santiago and Loren Legarda delivered separate speeches urging colleagues to concur with Malacañang’s earlier ratification of the statute that established the ICC.

“If a state becomes a party to the Rome Statute,” Santiago said, “any past leader could be investigated and prosecuted if he commits a core crime, particularly if he is the head of state, member of the legislature, or government official at a similarly high level.”

Santiago, chair of a foreign relations subcommittee tackling the measure, explained that while the existing International Court of Justice exercises jurisdiction over states, the ICC would have jurisdiction over individuals.

“By concurring with the Rome Statute, the Philippines will help the (ICC) end the culture of impunity, and affirm our position as a leading human rights advocate in Asia,” Santiago added.