Malacañang clarified Friday that while the Philippine government is providing support to witnesses in the ICC’s probe into the country’s drug war, it is not directly cooperating with the International Criminal Court.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro explained that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is assisting witnesses to help them seek justice, aligning with the goals of the Commission on Human Rights. “The focus is on helping fellow Filipinos, not direct cooperation with the ICC,” she said during a press briefing.
Castro added that although this could be seen as indirect cooperation with the ICC, the primary goal is to support victims and their families. She noted that this direction reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s desire to ensure justice for those affected.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla previously revealed that three to four witnesses related to the ICC’s case against former President Rodrigo Duterte are under government protection, with more possibly joining the program.
The government maintains its stance that it is no longer a member of the ICC after the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the Palace recently said President Marcos is open to discussing rejoining the international tribunal.
This comes amid international calls, including from UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, for the Philippines to ratify key human rights treaties and return to the ICC.