Courtesy: Human Rights Watch
HOUSE Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Congressman Manuel Jose Dalipe today said Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has not issued any directive regarding the House Resolution seeking government cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigating former president Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged “crimes against humanity” for the thousands of deaths during his so-called “war on drugs.”
According to Dalipe, House Resolution 1477, which urges the Marcos administration to collaborate with the ICC, is being treated like any ordinary measure that has to go through the normal legislative process.
Dalipe noted that in extraordinary cases where the Speaker wants to expedite House action on certain measures, he would usually ask the House Committee on Rules, which he also chairs, to prioritize the schedule of deliberations and plenary action.
“As Chair of the Committee on Rules, I know for a fact that there is no instruction from the Office of the Speaker that requires us to give special attention to the House Resolution seeking our cooperation with the ICC. This will be treated like all other House Resolutions, but we have to respect the autonomy of the legislative process and the necessity for adherence to established procedures,” Dalipe said.
Dalipe added that former President Duterte is held in high esteem by the House leadership, including Speaker Romualdez, but it will not suppress any member of Congress advocating for ICC support in investigating his anti-drug campaign.
“The democratic principles that underpin the legislative process allow for the expression of diverse opinions. The House is composed of 310 independent minds and diverse cultural and political backgrounds, so it is important that we hear the sentiment of everyone,” Dalipe said.
Dalipe mentioned that the House leadership acknowledges the diversity of opinions within the legislative body and encourages a respectful exchange of ideas. The democratic process allows for constructive debate, ensuring that all perspectives are considered in the formulation of legislative decisions, he said.
“The legislative process is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the House of Representatives remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities with the utmost dedication to the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” Dalipe stressed.
“All members of the House are entitled to voice their perspectives within the democratic framework, ensuring a robust and inclusive discussion on matters of national importance,” he added.
