
AKBAYAN Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno stated that his group would support any legal actions related to the West Philippine Sea issue against Chinese aggression.
In an ambush interview on August 27, 2025, Diokno emphasized the need to utilize every legal avenue to assert the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea.
Diokno also suggested that the ongoing aggression by the People’s Republic of China could be a valid reason for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the Rome Statute.
He explained that under the ICC, the Philippines could file crimes of aggression against another country as long as it is a member of the ICC and the incidents occur within its territory.
Diokno urged the Executive Department to consider rejoining the ICC. When asked if the head of state would be involved if the Philippines rejoined the ICC, Diokno responded that it would be a consequence. He indicated that while there have been previous calls to return to the ICC, he would file a resolution if necessary.