Malacañang has yet to receive from the International Criminal Court (ICC) its formal request for concrete evidence regarding the country's probe on drug war deaths, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan in a statement has asked the government to provide concrete proof on its investigation of the war against drugs casualties, in accordance with Rule 53 of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
"Such information must consist of tangible evidence, of probative value and a sufficient degree of specificity, demonstrating that concrete and progressive investigative steps have been or are currently being undertaken," the statement said.
However, Nograles, also an acting presidential spokesperson, said the government has yet to receive the formal request.
He added that the statement is also an "acknowledgment" that there are investigations on the deaths because of the war against illegal drugs.
"That being said, we reiterate our position the ICC has no jurisdiction to probe our campaign against illegal drugs," said Nograles in a press briefing.
"Clearly, the ICC prosecutor's request for information is an acknowledgment that alleged victims can seek redress in Philippine legal institutions because these are independent, impartial, and competent," he added.
According to Nograles, the statement "validates" the government's stand that the ICC should be the "last resort" in such cases.
"This validates our earlier position that the ICC is the court of last resort, one that can be utilized when a state party is unwilling to investigate those who violate its laws," he said.
"This is simply not the case in the Philippines."
