Government to study implications of US campaign vs ICC

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration will study the implications of the US campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is set to begin its trial on the crimes against humanity case of former president Rodrigo Duterte this year. 

US State Secretary Marco Rubio unveiled last Monday what has been described as a “sweeping campaign” that aims to disable the ICC’s ability to “operate, target American servicemen or officials.”

Describing the ICC as a “threat to US sovereignty,” Rubio said the campaign involves diplomatic calls to foreign nations highlighting the “abuses” of the international tribunal and urging them to withdraw from the court. 

It also entails increased scrutiny of nations that refuse to reject the ICC’s authority while relying on American aid and diplomatic calls, urging other nations that are not party to the Rome Statute – the treaty that formed the court – to leverage their diplomatic networks to take similar actions alongside the US.

The Philippines, a traditional ally and treaty partner of the US, ceased to be a member of the ICC in 2019 following the Duterte administration’s decision to withdraw the country from the Rome Statute.  

“Its effect on the implementation of our laws is being studied,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said at a media briefing yesterday.  

Asked whether the Philippines would support the US stance on the ICC, Castro said: “For now, I cannot give any comment. Let us wait for the insights of our President.” 

“I talked to (Foreign Affairs) Secretary Tess Lazaro and they have a message on this, but they will talk to the President first with regard to our possible stance on this,” she added. 
 

Although the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC, the Marcos administration surrendered Duterte to the court last year, a move that officials said was in line with the country’s commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol. 

Duterte was arrested on an ICC warrant on March 11, 2025 for crimes against humanity linked to his bloody drug war. 

The former president is now detained in The Hague while awaiting trial, which is scheduled to begin in November.

Castro said pursuing justice for the alleged victims of the drug war is important, but officials would wait for Marcos’ pronouncement on the issue.  

“Whatever will be the outcome of the ICC case, the President thinks it will yield justice not just for the alleged victims but also the respondents or defendants or the accused,” she added. 

There have been calls for the Philippines to rejoin the ICC, but Castro said Marcos’ stance that the country is not yet returning to the court has not changed.  

The current administration’s continued cooperation with the ICC could expose the Philippines to diplomatic, visa and possible economic repercussions, following recent US moves against the international tribunal, Sen. Imee Marcos warned.  –  Mark Ernest Villeza