By 
Wiktoria Walczyk
The Hague, Via pexels, Patrick Jaksic, October 9th, 2020
The Philippine government is under growing political and legal pressure as Duterte’s allies in the Senate challenge the country’s cooperation with the ICC’s investigation into alleged human rights violations during his anti-drug campaign.
The Philippine government is facing growing political tensions and legal scrutiny as allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte launch a Senate inquiry questioning cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move is in response to the ICC’s ongoing investigation into alleged human rights violations committed during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which is believed to have resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.
The Senate inquiry, driven by Duterte’s allies, is aimed at challenging the legal basis of cooperating with the ICC, especially since the Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. Duterte’s supporters argue that the withdrawal invalidates the ICC’s jurisdiction over the country, portraying the investigation as a violation of Philippine sovereignty and judicial independence. They contend that any cooperation with the ICC would overstep the legal authority of the Philippine government and undermine national sovereignty.
Despite these objections, the Philippine government, represented by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, has reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to domestic legal procedures while addressing the matter. Remulla acknowledged the ICC’s mechanisms but stressed that national sovereignty and judicial independence remain paramount. His remarks suggest a cautious approach, where cooperation with international legal bodies must align with the Philippines’ constitutional safeguards.
Legal experts, however, emphasise that, the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed during the period when the Philippines was still a member of the Rome Statute. Under international law, the court can continue to investigate incidents that occurred prior to the country’s withdrawal. Human rights organisations argue that, the investigation must proceed to ensure accountability for the victims of Duterte’s brutal anti-drug campaign and preserve the country’s credibility on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Duterte himself has dismissed the ICC’s investigation as politically motivated and insists that his policies were aimed at ensuring public safety. His allies have framed the Senate inquiry as a defensive measure to prevent foreign interference in domestic legal matters, underscoring the broader conflict between asserting national sovereignty and meeting international standards of accountability.
As the Senate inquiry continues, the Philippine government finds itself under increasing pressure to clarify its official stance on the ICC investigation. The situation remains a delicate balancing act between domestic political interests, legal obligations, and international expectations for justice and accountability.
Sources and Further Readings:
BBC News. (2025, March 20). Philippines ex-leader Duterte on plane to The Hague after arrest. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9ykn85401o
Reuters. (2025, March 20). Philippines defends ex-President Duterte’s transfer to ICC in Senate inquiry. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-defends-ex-president-dutertes-transfer-icc-senate-inquiry-2025-03-20/
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