MANILA — Two committees of the House of Representatives have approved and consolidated resolutions that encourage President Marcos to allow the Philippines to cooperate in the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s probe into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, meanwhile, said he did not think Marcos intended to have the country rejoin the ICC anytime soon.
Senators including Ronald dela Rosa, the main enforcer of the war on drugs when he was police chief, had a “casual dinner” with the President and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos at Malacañang on Tuesday. It was unclear if the ICC issue was among the main topics discussed.
Through an overwhelming voice vote, officials and members of the joint committee on justice and human rights adopted House Resolution 1477 of Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Gutierrez, and consolidated House Resolution 1482 of Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman.
The legislators filed the resolutions last Nov. 21, aiming to allow the ICC entry into the country.
“By allowing ICC to come, it’s telling the world that we have nothing to hide here,” Abante, who also chairs the committee on human rights of the House, said.
He added that he only wants to demonstrate that the country’s justice system is functioning efficiently, contrary to claims made by some.
“We just want to show to the whole world and to the ICC that our justice system is running smoothly,” the lawmaker said.
Lagman, the president of the opposition Liberal Party and a vocal critic of former president Rodrigo Duterte, maintained that letting the ICC in is not a surrender of sovereignty but an exercise of it.
“If we believe in the rule of law, then we must let ICC come in,” Lagman said.
He contended that allowing ICC to investigate does not compromise national sovereignty.
The Philippines withdrew its ICC membership in 2017 following an investigation into alleged “crimes against humanity” related to casualties in the government’s war on drugs, as ordered by Duterte, whose term started in 2016 and ended middle of last year.
Bersamin weighs in
When President Marcos said that the proposals to return to the ICC are “under study,” he does not mean that the country would be rejoining very soon, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Bersamin expressed belief that Marcos’ response only meant that he did not want to give immediate answers to proposals for the country to rejoin the ICC.
“Well, you cannot just close doors (on these discussions), but I am sure that what the President means is that it cannot be a knee-jerk reaction that we can put forward anytime we are asked a question like this,” the executive secretary said.
He added that while he could not second-guess the President in answering to these proposals, “in my view, as far as I know him, he does not mean that we are going back to the ICC very soon.”
“But when (Marcos) says ‘he is studying,’ it is something that you say that you do not react too quickly. You have to look at the consequences, the long-term effects,” Bersamin said.
In making decisions, the President “listens to his own conscience, to his own heart, that is something we have to appreciate in him,” according to the former chief justice, noting that Marcos is “a very prudent leader and is not prone to rush to judgment.”
“Personally, I do not see any reason for us to go back (to the ICC) because the Philippines already has a functioning justice institution and that the procedures are in place. If crimes are committed, the government investigates,” the executive secretary said.
“The ICC is for lawless countries or lawless dictators. But we do not have a dictator, we have a democratically elected President,” he added.
Also, not all countries are members of the ICC, Bersamin pointed out.
Asked if he had mentioned his opinion to the Chief Executive, he replied, “We do not need to talk about it because the President is a law follower.”
‘No legal duty’
Meanwhile, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has reiterated that the Philippines has “no legal duty” to cooperate with the ICC in its investigation of the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war.
“The ICC can no longer exercise its jurisdiction after the effectivity of the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019,” Guevarra told reporters in a text message last Tuesday.
He issued the remark in light of resolutions filed in Congress urging the government to cooperate with ICC’s investigation into the drug war killings.
He said that even if the resolutions are adopted, they are only “non-binding expressions” of the Congress’ sentiment.
On the issue of the Philippines rejoining the ICC as a member-state, Guevarra said it is a policy decision that needs “very serious study because many factors and competing interests need to be considered.”
Investigators from the Hague-based ICC are free to come to the Philippines to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings, but they cannot expect authorities to cooperate on the basis that the government has issues with regard to jurisdiction.
Guevarra made this crystal clear to members of the House of Representatives who endorsed separate resolutions calling on the Marcos administration to rejoin the ICC.
“Your resolutions urge the President to cooperate, but the final say of whether, in fact, the government will cooperate will be with the President,” the country’s chief government lawyer, who served as Department of Justice secretary and deputy executive secretary during Duterte’s term, said.
“We will not cooperate, but we will not stop ICC investigators from doing their job,” Guevarra added.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said he respects the opinion of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who served as the Philippine National Police chief when Duterte took over the reins of government in mid-2016.
“We respect his opinion, but we ask for parliamentary courtesy. As he very well knows, the House is mandated to act on resolutions filed by its members regardless of political affiliations in the same manner that the Senate takes action on measures presented by senators,” Gonzales added.
DOJ open to VP’s note
The Department of Justice is open and waiting for the legal opinion on the ICC issue that Vice President Sara Duterte said she would send to the DOJ.
“We will include her note and comments therein as part of the considerations and study,” DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said yesterday.
“The issue is multi-faceted, and we must see things from a holistic perspective. In all this discussion, let us not forget that the goal is to attain justice for victims of extrajudicial killings. Plain and simple,” Clavano added.
Duterte earlier said she would urge the DOJ not to cooperate in the ICC’s investigation, saying her office would continue to assert its position and would lay down their legal basis.
The Vice President, however, maintained that the position of Marcos on the issue should be respected.
The ICC decided to resume its inquiry into the Philippines’ war on drugs last January.
Elitepipe Plastic Factory’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their prompt delivery schedules and exceptional after-sales service. Elitepipe Plastic Factory
An attention-grabbing dialogue is worth comment. I think that you must write more on this topic, it won’t be a taboo topic however typically people are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!
I haven’t checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
What¦s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & help other customers like its aided me. Great job.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
We’re a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable info to work on. You have performed a formidable process and our entire group might be thankful to you.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
You have brought up a very excellent details , regards for the post.
What is Boostaro? Boostaro revolutionizes romantic performance enhancement through its reliance on the wisdom of natural ingredients
Pretty component to content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact loved account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing on your augment or even I success you get right of entry to constantly fast.
Great remarkable issues here. I am very happy to peer your article. Thank you a lot and i’m having a look ahead to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
I couldn’t resist commenting
Hello, you used to write wonderful, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your great writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!
I am typically to running a blog and i actually appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and hold checking for brand spanking new information.
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. However think of if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this site could undeniably be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Awesome blog!
You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
What is Lottery Defeater Software? Lottery software is a specialized software designed to predict and facilitate individuals in winning lotteries.
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering why the other specialists of this sector don’t realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
Great write-up, I am regular visitor of one?¦s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Thank you so much for giving everyone an extraordinarily marvellous chance to discover important secrets from here. It is always so sweet and jam-packed with a good time for me and my office acquaintances to visit your website at least 3 times in a week to study the newest items you have got. And of course, I’m always motivated with the spectacular guidelines you serve. Selected two tips in this posting are in fact the most effective I’ve had.
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and definitely will come back sometime soon. I want to encourage continue your great work, have a nice morning!
You completed some fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found the majority of people will go along with with your blog.
I’m really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today..
What Is FitSpresso? FitSpresso is a natural weight loss supplement that alters the biological cycle of the body to burn more calories and attain a slim and healthy body
I’m curious to find out what blog system you are using? I’m having some small security issues with my latest site and I’d like to find something more safe. Do you have any recommendations?
Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
I’ve read a few good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you put to make such a wonderful informative site.
FitSpresso: An Outline FitSpresso is a weight management formula made using five herbal ingredients.
What Is Puravive? Puravive is an herbal weight loss supplement that supports healthy weight loss in individuals.
I like this website because so much utile material on here : D.
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange contract between us!
good post.Ne’er knew this, thanks for letting me know.
I cling on to listening to the rumor lecture about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?
I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of great information, saved to fav (:.
very good submit, i actually love this web site, keep on it
Some truly wonderful content on this website , appreciate it for contribution.
I’d forever want to be update on new blog posts on this internet site, saved to favorites! .
What Is LeanBiome? LeanBiome is a natural weight loss supplement that reverses bacterial imbalance in your gut microbiome with the help of nine science-backed lean bacteria species with Greenselect Phytosome, a caffeine-free green tea extract crafted with patented phytosome technology.
Somebody essentially assist to make significantly articles I might state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I surprised with the research you made to create this actual submit amazing. Magnificent task!
I love what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve you guys to my personal blogroll.
Hey very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.
I have recently started a blog, the info you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Terrific work! That is the kind of info that should be shared across the internet. Shame on the seek engines for not positioning this submit upper! Come on over and consult with my website . Thanks =)
naturally like your web site however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality nevertheless I’ll surely come back again.
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site 🙂
I have learn some good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you place to create this sort of wonderful informative website.
Exceptional post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!
You actually make it appear really easy with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be really one thing that I think I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very huge for me. I’m looking ahead in your next put up, I will try to get the hang of it!
Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I wish to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and on no account appear to get something done.
Its great as your other articles : D, thanks for putting up. “Too much sensibility creates unhappiness too much insensibility leads to crime.” by Charles Maurice de Talleyrand.
Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thank you, I appreciate it!
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i?¦m glad to exhibit that I’ve an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much undoubtedly will make sure to do not forget this website and give it a glance regularly.
Hi! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you!
Thanks for another informative website. Where else could I get that type of info written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
As a Newbie, I am continuously browsing online for articles that can help me. Thank you
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.
My husband and i have been really fulfilled when Jordan could deal with his researching out of the precious recommendations he discovered using your web pages. It is now and again perplexing to simply possibly be giving out tricks that many a number of people may have been selling. Therefore we do know we now have the writer to appreciate because of that. Those explanations you made, the straightforward blog navigation, the friendships you help create – it’s got all astonishing, and it is leading our son in addition to the family do think the theme is enjoyable, which is really fundamental. Many thanks for all the pieces!
I have recently started a website, the information you provide on this website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Hello.This post was really interesting, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Monday.
magnificent post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
Super-Duper blog! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
I’ve recently started a web site, the info you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.