Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr Firmly Rejects ICC Investigation into Anti-Drug Campaign, Vowing to Protect Sovereignty
In a resolute stance against international scrutiny, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced on Tuesday that the government would not cooperate with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into the country's controversial anti-narcotics campaign.
The president labeled the investigation as a threat to Philippine sovereignty, reinforcing his administration's position.
"I consider it as a threat to our sovereignty. Therefore, the Philippine government will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts," Marcos affirmed during a press conference, reiterating the stance he has maintained.
The ICC, in July, rejected an appeal by Manila and gave the green light for the investigation to resume, focusing on the thousands of killings associated with the 'war on drugs' during former President Rodrigo Duterte's term.
Despite the ICC's decision, President Marcos Jr declared that the government would not assist ICC investigators, although he mentioned they could visit as ordinary people.
These remarks from Marcos follow a statement by his justice minister last week, suggesting the government might allow an ICC probe if proper legal procedures were followed. However, this stance was contested by Duterte's camp, asserting that such cooperation would be illegal.
Vice President Sara Duterte echoed the sentiments of her father, emphasizing that foreigners should not interfere in the country's affairs. She expressed her unwillingness to be part of a process that could undermine the nation's courts and judicial system.
"Allowing the ICC to conduct its probe in our country, in brazen violation of the constitution, is an absolute surrender of our birthright as a sovereign nation," remarked Salvador Panelo, Duterte's former presidential spokesperson.
The Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2019, with then-President Duterte challenging its authority to investigate the anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths.
According to police reports, around 6,200 individuals classified as drug dealers were killed during Duterte's term. However, human rights groups and victims' families accuse the police of engaging in cover-ups and extrajudicial executions.
In a noteworthy development, President Marcos Jr, in November, indicated a reevaluation of the Philippines' relationship with the ICC, signaling a potential return despite previous declarations of cutting off contact with the tribunal.
As the nation grapples with the complexities of international legal scrutiny, the tug-of-war between protecting sovereignty and addressing alleged human rights abuses continues, creating a delicate diplomatic situation for the Philippines on the global stage.
This unwavering stance against the ICC's investigation raises questions about the potential geopolitical ramifications and the broader implications for human rights and accountability in the Philippines.
The balancing act between asserting national sovereignty and addressing international concerns remains a challenging tightrope walk for the Philippine government.
