📷Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares
Former Bayan Muna congressman Neri Colmenares’ gave a positive assessment of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) preliminary hearing on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, emphasizing the importance of the Philippines rejoining the international tribunal.
“The ICC preliminary hearing demonstrated what genuine justice mechanisms look like. The proceedings were fair, direct, and focused on the objectives of the hearing without being derailed by diversionary tactics,” said the Bayan Muna chairman
Colmenares highlighted how the ICC efficiently handled the proceedings by simply noting the manifestations of Duterte’s camp and scheduling them for proper discussion at the next hearing on September 23, 2025 Despite the preliminary nature of the hearing President Duterte’s counsel was allowed to speak.
The former lawmaker underscored the critical role of the ICC as an accountability mechanism for heads of state who commit serious human rights violations.
“Ang ICC ay isang mahalagang institusyon para masiguro na walang pinuno ng estado ang makakalusot sa pananagutan sa mga mabibigat na paglabag sa karapatang pantao. Kailangang bumalik ang Pilipinas bilang miyembro ng ICC upang maprotektahan ang mga karapatan ng mamamayang Pilipino,” he added.
Colmenares called on the Marcos administration to take concrete steps toward rejoining the ICC, stressing that this move would demonstrate the government’s genuine commitment to upholding human rights and ending the culture of impunity.
“The ongoing ICC proceedings against former President Duterte should serve as a wake-up call to our current leadership. Rejoining the ICC would be a decisive step toward ensuring justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings and their families,” Colmenares concluded.#
