đˇJustice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin âBoyingâ Remulla said that the International Criminal Court (ICC) holds jurisdiction over individuals accused of violating international humanitarian law, regardless of the Philippinesâ withdrawal from the tribunal.
During the Senate hearing on the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, March 20, Remulla said there is a difference between state and individual accountability under the ICCâs mandate.
âIt is not the Philippines that is under the ICC but it is the individual who is charged for crimes against humanity,â he said.
Senator Imee Marcos, in her opening statement, had already expressed strong opposition to the ICCâs involvement, framing it as an affront to Philippine sovereignty.
âSince when did the Philippines become [a] province of The Hague?â Marcos asked.
âHere we are watching as a fellow Filipino, a leader, a father, and a grandfather, a man who served this country, is taken not by his own people but by outsiders who claim to have the right to judge him.â
Marcos further warned of the potential consequences of allowing the ICC to intervene in domestic matters. âIf they can march into our house and take one of our own, whatâs stopping them from doing it again and again? To you, to me, to any of us?â she said.
Remulla, however, sought to clarify that the ICCâs jurisdiction is limited to individuals accused of grave crimes under international law, rather than the nation as a whole.
The Senate investigation on Duterte’s arrest comes amid renewed discussions over the ICCâs investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings under Duterteâs war on drugs. The former president, who led the controversial anti-narcotics campaign during his term, has remained defiant against international scrutiny.
While the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court claims jurisdiction over crimes committed during the period when the country was still a member. (TCSP)
