A congresswoman from Batangas, Gerville Luistro, has called on the Philippine government to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC). This came after the European Union encouraged the country to reconsider its withdrawal from the ICC, a global tribunal that investigates and prosecutes the most serious crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of aggression.
Why Should the Philippines Rejoin the ICC?
Luistro explained that the ICC serves as a “court of last resort.” This means it steps in when local courts cannot or will not handle cases involving severe violations of human rights. According to her, the Philippines’ membership in the ICC aligns with the country’s Constitution, which emphasizes justice and respect for human dignity.
“As a country that values justice and human rights, it’s important for the Philippines to show its commitment by rejoining the ICC,” Luistro said. She also pointed out that the ICC’s principles match the democratic values stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
The Damage Done by Leaving the ICC
The Philippines left the ICC in 2019, under the leadership of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. This decision followed criticism of his administration’s controversial war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths. Many of these deaths are now under investigation by both the Philippine Congress and international organizations.
Luistro described the withdrawal as a “devastating decision,” arguing that it sent the wrong message to the world. It suggested that the Philippines was not serious about protecting human rights and enforcing the rule of law. She also warned that leaving the ICC put too much power in the hands of a few individuals, who might not always have the best intentions.
“When we left the ICC, we showed that our government’s commitment to justice could be bent to suit the will of a few people. But we should be a nation that follows the law, not the whims of individuals,” Luistro said.
Rejoining the ICC: A Step Toward Accountability
Luistro emphasized that returning to the ICC would show the world that the Philippines is serious about holding people accountable for serious crimes, no matter who they are or how powerful they might be. It would also strengthen the country’s justice system and demonstrate its commitment to international agreements.
The ICC is currently monitoring developments in the Philippines, particularly the investigation into the war on drugs under Duterte’s administration. This ongoing probe seeks to uncover the truth behind the controversial anti-drug campaign and hold those responsible for any wrongdoing accountable.
Background on the Withdrawal
The Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, in March 2019. Duterte and his allies argued that this move meant the ICC no longer had any authority over the country. They claimed the Philippines was not obligated to cooperate with the court’s investigations.
However, critics, including Luistro, believe that rejoining the ICC would restore the country’s image and reaffirm its commitment to human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
