PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has indicated openness to discussions regarding the Philippines’ potential re-entry into the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.
While Castro clarified that this is not currently an active discussion, the President has expressed willingness to consider such a proposal.
This statement follows a call from UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan urging the Philippines to ratify the Rome Statute and other human rights treaties, particularly in light of its history of extrajudicial killings and lack of accountability.
The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 after the tribunal initiated an investigation into the bloody anti-drug campaign of the Duterte administration.
The President’s openness to considering a return to the ICC comes after a period of silence on the issue.
In March, when questioned about the possibility of rejoining the ICC following the arrest of former President Duterte in the Netherlands, President Marcos simply smiled and stated that the matter hadn’t been discussed.
The President’s current willingness to engage in discussions suggests a potential shift in the government’s stance on international accountability mechanisms.
The implications of such a move remain to be seen, but it signifies a willingness to consider the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur and address concerns regarding human rights in the Philippines.
