The Philippine government will not comply if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant of arrest against some individuals who are involved to the killings associated with previous administration’s war on drugs, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated on Monday, July 17.
"Hindi. Wala silang gagawin dito eh. Wala silang kinalaman sa atin dito,” the Justice secretary said when asked by a reporter if the country would follow if the ICC issues a warrant.
“At ano gagawin nila, papasukin nila tayo? Gusto ba nilang pasukin tayo bilang isang kolonya na naman? Eh tapos na yun, eh," he added.
Remulla emphasized that the Philippines is a democratic country, mentioning the Philippine’s colonial period under Spain, America and Japan.
“Ginawa na tayong kolonya dati ng Espanya, ginawa na tayong kolonya ng America, ginawa na tayong kolonya ng Japan nung araw. Tama na. Eh malaya tayong bansa na may sariling sistema ng batas,” he said.
This Tuesday, the ICC Appeals Chamber is expected to rule on the Philippines' request to obstruct the ICC prosecutor from looking into murders associated to the war on drugs
"Judgment in the above appeal will be delivered in open court on Tuesday, 18 July 2023 at 10h00," the appeals chamber stated in a three-page scheduling order signed by presiding judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra previously responded after being asked for a comment as he told ICC prosecutor could indict particular people if there is enough evidence.
Remulla asserted that the indictment would merely be "political" and that the Philippine government should receive the evidence from the ICC if they want to see specific people brought to justice.
