Malacañang Speaks on Pres. Bongbong Marcos over Talks about PH Rejoining ICC
BONGBONG MARCOS – The President is open to discussions over the Philippines rejoining the ICC (International Criminal Court) as per the Palace.
The arrest and the transfer of the custody of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is one of the unexpected events that marked the history of the Philippines. Last March 11, the former Chief Executive was arrested by the Philippine authorities upon his arrival from Hong Kong. On the same day, he was flown to The Hague via Dubai for the transfer of his custody to the ICC.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte who recently marked his 100th day in ICC detention His arrest and the transfer of his custody to the foreign court caused political turmoil in the Philippines. The President and the government were heavily-criticized for the turn of events.
Malacañang previously defended Pres. Bongbong Marcos from “betrayal” accusations. According to the Palace, the government only did its job and acted on its commitment with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
Pres. Bongbong Marcos who spoke after the plane that carried Duterte to The Hague left the country stressed that the government had to act on its commitment with the Interpol. He also turned down accusations that it is allegedly “political persecution” saying that the issue was already present even before he came into the picture.
Currently, there are talks and questions if Pres. Bongbong Marcos is open to the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court. The country exited the Rome Statute in 2017 under Duterte’s leadership. The foreign court attempting to investigate his administration’s drug war did not sit well with the then-President.
The jurisdiction of the ICC in the Philippines remain an issue over Duterte’s arrest and the transfer of his custody. This happens despite the foreign court previously emphasizing that there are allegations of crimes between 2011 and 2019 when PH was still a member of the Rome Statute.
Recently, Malacañang spoke on the side of Pres. Bongbong Marcos over the Philippines rejoining the ICC. Based on a report on PhilStar, Palace press officer Atty. Claire Castro said that the Chief Executive is open to talks about the country rejoining the ICC.
”Sa aking palagay opo at kaya lang hindi po ngayon napag-uusapan ang bagay na ‘yan pero sa mga ganitong suggestion, open naman po ang Pangulo para po ito ay mapag-usapan,” the Malacañang official said of Pres. Bongbong Marcos.
Currently, Duterte’s camp is requesting to the International Criminal Court for the interim release of the former President. Citing his age which is 80, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte said not all her father’s needs can be provided inside the ICC detention facility so they applied for his interim release.