Miriam quits as ICC judge

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago resigned from her post as judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC)  three years after she was elected into the prestigious organization.

In a June 3 letter to President Sang Hyun Song, president of the ICC, Santiago said she will leave her ICC post due to her sickness. “Pursuant to my commitment, I hereby confirm that the Court should proceed on the basis that I am stepping down as elected judge,” Santiago said.

Santiago added that she also supports the procedures of the Assembly of the State Parties later this year “so that a replacement judge can be duly elected.”

Santiago was elected to the ICC on December 2011. After her election, she asked the Hague-based tribunal to postpone her appointment amid the ongoing pork barrel scam.

The senator furnished President Aquino a copy of her letter to the ICC.

Santiago also duly notified Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert del Rosario, Senate President Franklin Drilon, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Office of the Secretary, with request that the letter be circulate “with thanks” to all Parties of the Rome Statute.