Senator Ronald Dela Rosa criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC), claiming it aims to control member states rather than pursue justice.
Dela Rosa made the statement after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed plans for the Philippine government to talk to the ICC regarding its investigation into the Duterte administration’s drug war.
“Go ahead kung anong gusto nila. Hindi namin sila maco-control…Kung i-engage nila, sige lang, go ahead, basta ako, very solid ‘yung aking paniniwala na walang jurisdiction ang ICC sa ating bansa,” the former national police chief said.
“Pumasok kayo dito, ICC. We will go to the Supreme Court, we will seek judicial relief kung talaga bang may jurisdiction ang ICC dito,” he added.
He cited the dissenting opinion of two ICC Appeals Chamber judges, who argued that the request for investigation authorization was filed after the Philippines had already withdrawn from the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC.
“Very clear ‘yan na ‘yung kanilang ginawa na paghingi nila ng permiso, ‘yung prosecutor, paghingi nila ng permiso sa court na mag-conduct ng investigation, effective na ang ating withdrawal sa membership. So very clear, wala silang jurisdiction,” said Dela Rosa.
He added that he would not respond to any ICC communications, as doing so would imply recognition of their authority.
“Umalis kayo! Wala kayong pakialam dito sa amin. Leave us alone. We can do our job here.”
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the Duterte administration, is implicated in the ICC investigation.
Despite criticisms, he defended the drug war, noting its achievements, such as the surrender of 1.6 million drug users and the arrest of around 300,000 individuals.IMT
