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Stop dealing with ICC SolGen
By Nidz Godino
"As far as state is concerned, our engagement in any form with ICC has come to an end with rendition of judgment (3-2) by ICC Appeals Chamber," Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra told media in text message "I called President Marcos up from Washington, D.C. I advised him about full disengagement and he agreed."
Philippines' appeal against resumption of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan's probe was country's last involvement with court, according to Guevarra.
FMJ broached idea of disengaging from ICC as early as March this year. He said Philippine government would not cooperate with ICC investigation due to "very serious questions" on court's jurisdiction, interference and "attacks on sovereignty" of Philippines.
In its appeal, Philippine government argued ICC has no jurisdiction over Philippines since it withdrew from Rome Statute in 2019.
ICC explained still has jurisdiction over crimes committed before Philippines' withdrawal.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on July 17 that government will not execute arrest warrants ICC may issue.
ICC investigation would cover killings committed from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019. Also included were so-called Davao death squad murders between Nov. 1, 2011 and June 30, 2016 when former President Rodrigo Duterte was either mayor or vice mayor of Davao City.
Under drug war, at least 6,200 people were killed in police operations based on government records. Human rights groups, however, said actual death toll could be from 12,000 to 30,000.
Sen. Imee Marcos has denounced ICC's decision to resume its probe.
"They are intruding on Philippine sovereignty," Marcos told reporters in Leyte. "For me, ICC can enter only when our country has no more courts, and judiciary is no longer functioning."
She reiterated Philippines has "fully functioning judiciary," so there is no reason for ICC to interfere in country's internal affairs.
Marcos noted that many cases have been filed against abusive law enforcers and erring military and police officials.
Labor group Federation of Free Workers (FFW) called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to "fully cooperate" with ICC's investigation.
The 6,200 lives lost in war on drugs, including 73 children, "necessitates thorough and unbiased investigation," according to FFW.
FFW also urged FMJ to declare his policy on trade union and human rights amid reported killings of 69 trade union leaders and other abuses committed against workers.
President Marcos should commit to his message of "unity" by cooperating with ICC's investigation and giving justice to drug war victims.
"If the President really espouses 'unity,' meaning unity for people and not for his tandem with Dutertes, the President should prove that by giving justice to drug war victims," opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in interview with media.
"In run-up to his second State of the Nation Address, people are watching… people are watching if he will put country first or will he merely put his political alliance first," Hontiveros added.
FMJ agreed to end Philippines' engagement with ICC.
"Disengaging even from communication is very immature stance… not stance of mature administration, claims to be governing democracy. not stance of country seeking more and wider alliances in the world," Hontiveros said.
Vice President Sara Duterte is also subject of ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity, according to report by fact-checking group VERA Files.
"No comment," Duterte said in response to ICC ruling.
Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. claimed ICC lost its credibility by being "politically motivated."
"We will not allow this interference by ICC in our country…we do not need to remind them we are free, independent, and sovereign nation governed by our laws," he said.
Revilla defended former president Duterte and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa chief implementor of Duterte's war on drugs as they may be subject of ICC's arrest warrants or summons.
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