Phl affirms commitment against impunity in New York assembly

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines declared its commitment to fighting impunity in the international community during the 13th Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) held in New York last December 11.

The country also pushed for a rules-based international relations among States, according to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“Modern international relations continue to mature from one that is power-based, to one that should be rules-based. This is the power and majesty of the rule of law. Without it, there would not be international criminal justice, and without international criminal justice, global peace would not be possible,” Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands and head of the Philippine delegation to the Assembly Jaime Victor Ledda said.

Ledda highlighted the country's commitment in advancing global peace and expressed support for the universality of the (ICC).

The Philippine Ambassador urged other countries, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, to acede to the Rome Statute.

"The work of justice is never easy. But the reality is that justice can be particularly complicated and difficult in countries affected if not devastated by violence and conflict, Ledda said.

According to the Philippine Ambassador, the country pays attention to on-going judicial proceedings of the Court.