Former Senator Leila de Lima asserted that the Philippine government cannot prevent the International Criminal Court (ICC) from investigating former President Rodrigo Duterte and other officials over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the previous administration’s war on illegal drugs.
De Lima emphasized that such crimes, including willful killings and torture, are punishable under Philippine law, specifically Republic Act 9851, which covers crimes against humanity. She noted that this law complements ICC investigations, particularly when focused on those bearing the greatest responsibility.
She cited Section 17 of the law, which allows Philippine authorities to defer investigations if an international tribunal is already handling the case, meaning the ICC can legally proceed. Moreover, she pointed out that the law also permits the extradition or surrender of suspects to international courts.
The ICC is currently investigating Duterte’s administration over systematic killings linked to the drug war. While the Duterte administration claims that deaths in police operations totaled around 6,000, human rights groups estimate the number could be as high as 30,000, including vigilante killings. Duterte has consistently denied any policy of indiscriminate killings, and he contends that the Philippines is no longer under ICC jurisdiction following the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.