Former President Rodrigo Duterte recently described the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a “silly court” while explaining why the Philippines withdrew from the tribunal during his term. Despite its timing alongside his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, Duterte insisted the withdrawal was unrelated to the ICC’s probe into alleged human rights violations in the war on drugs.
In remarks before the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee, Duterte criticized the ICC for its perceived inaction on cases involving African leaders accused of severe crimes, though he did not name specific figures or nations. “It’s a silly court. They just keep on filing cases without imprisoning anyone,” he remarked in Filipino.
The Philippines’ exit from the ICC’s Rome Statute took effect in 2019, a year after Duterte initiated the withdrawal following the ICC’s preliminary probe into his administration’s actions.
In response to Cagayan de Oro Representative Lordan Suan’s question about potentially facing the ICC, Duterte reiterated his refusal to be judged by a foreign tribunal, expressing his preference for a Philippine court. “I don’t believe in foreigners judging me. I would rather stand trial before my own people,” he declared, suggesting he would even accept a sentence without legal representation if it came from a Filipino judge.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the Philippines is still obligated to cooperate with the ICC on cases concerning acts committed before the withdrawal. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration has stated it would not oppose Duterte if he voluntarily chooses to face the ICC.
Duterte invited the ICC to expedite its investigation into alleged human rights violations, challenging them to begin as soon as possible.