The Philippine government on Thursday expressed its support for the United States and several other countries in endorsing the Summit for Democracy Declaration, however, it “disassociates” itself from any reference to the International Criminal Court.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines joined the United States and several other countries around the world in endorsing the Summit for Democracy Declaration, stressing that it is “a testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding our democratic values and principles and to strengthening our democratic institutions for the benefit of the Filipino people.”
The country, however, “disassociates itself from the Declaration’s reference to the International Criminal Court.”
“While the current language provides a qualifier that the ICC’s role may be acknowledged provided it abides by the principle of complementarity, the Philippines’ earlier decision to withdraw from the ICC was precisely because the Court failed the test of complementarity,” it said.
The DFA emphasized that the Philippine government “does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction and affirms that the Philippines has the jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes, including those allegedly committed in the context of the country’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.”
The Philippines withdrew its membership from the Rome Statute in March 2018 upon the order of then-president Rodrigo Duterte. The withdrawal took effect on 17 March 2019.
The ICC noted that the Court retains jurisdiction with respect to alleged crimes that occurred on the territory of the Philippines while it was a State Party, from 1 November 2011 up to and including 16 March 2019.
Earlier this week, the ICC’s Appeals Chamber rejected the Philippine government’s appeal to stop its investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs.
The ICC’s decision prompted Duterte’s successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare that the country would “disengage” with the ICC.
Upholding the rule of law and accountability
Meanwhile, the Philippine government reiterated “its view that human rights-related dialogues and platforms must not be politicized and targeted against specific countries and instead be constructive, inclusive, and directed at delivering meaningful, long-lasting solutions.”
It also underscored that the rule of law and accountability are “fully functioning through its criminal justice system and efforts to improve mechanisms.”
“The Philippines upholds its commitment to fight impunity for atrocity crimes, notwithstanding the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, especially since the Philippines has a national legislation punishing atrocity crimes,” it added.
‘Summit for Democracy’
In a separate message, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said that President Marcos participated in this year’s Summit for Democracy, which was hosted by Washington and attended by 121 world leaders.
Daza said the Philippine leader participated via a recorded video message.
In the said video message, Marcos affirmed the country’s commitment to issues concerning democracy, human rights, and good governance, “as long as these engagements are constructive, based on facts, and respectful of Philippine sovereignty.”
“The Philippines will sustain its tradition of open, constructive, and active engagement on human rights on matters that will meaningfully contribute towards reinforcing the sinews of democracy and of freedom,” he added.