Remulla reiterates: ICC lacks jurisdiction to probe war on drugs

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla maintained his position that the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks jurisdiction over the previous administration’s war on drugs.

Speaking at a press conference following the ICC’s announcement that a verdict on the Philippine government’s appeal would be delivered on July 18, Remulla reiterated the government’s cooperation with the ICC while emphasizing its firm stance on jurisdictional matters.

“We are merely engaging with the ICC out of comity, but this does not alter our position here. They cannot enforce their will upon our nation as we are not ICC member,” Remulla asserted.

Previously, Remulla, who was an elected congressional representative before his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., emphasized the presence of a functional judicial system in the country, rendering an independent investigation by the ICC unnecessary.

“As we have formally withdrawn from the ICC, their desire to probe crimes in our country becomes redundant. We possess a functional judicial system, albeit imperfect, and we are not a nation to be undermined. If their motives are political, we reject the interference of foreign entities. Our political affairs are addressed internally, not by outsiders,” Remulla declared.