PH gov’t won’t cooperate with ICC probe on Duterte, says DOJ Chief

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated the Philippine government’s stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte, stating that the government will not cooperate with the probe.

Remulla made this declaration during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on Thursday, March 20, 2025, which focused on the ICC’s involvement in Duterte’s arrest and the roles played by various government agencies.

The hearing aimed to clarify the actions taken by Philippine authorities in response to the ICC’s arrest warrant, which was issued against Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s war on drugs. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, in 2019.

Remulla emphasized that the Philippine government maintains its position of non-cooperation with the ICC investigation. He stated that the government will not provide any assistance or information to the ICC, reiterating the country’s commitment to upholding its sovereignty and pursuing justice within its own legal framework.

The Justice Secretary’s statement underscores the ongoing tension between the Philippines and the ICC, with the government firmly rejecting the court’s jurisdiction in this case. The hearing serves as a platform for the Senate to scrutinize the government’s actions and the legal basis for its decision to not cooperate with the ICC.

The Senate’s investigation continues, with the committee seeking to understand the government’s overall approach to the ICC investigation and the potential implications for the Philippines’ relationship with international organizations.