Sen. Imee Marcos on Wednesday warned that the Philippine government’s continued cooperation with the International Criminal Court could expose the country to diplomatic, visa and economic consequences as the United States intensifies its campaign against the tribunal.
Marcos criticized Malacañang’s response to Washington’s efforts to weaken the ICC, saying the central issue was not whether the Philippines could influence US policy but whether the administration had assessed the risks of maintaining ties with the court.
“It is alarming how the Administration completely misses the point on the US policy against the ICC. The issue is not whether the Philippines can control US policy, but whether the government understands that its continuing operations with the ICC may expose the country to heightened scrutiny and possible diplomatic, visa, or economic consequences,” Marcos said in a statement.
She argued that the administration could be placing Philippine interests and the country’s strategic relationship with its principal treaty ally at unnecessary risk by supporting a tribunal Washington is seeking to isolate.
“The Palace should disclose the extent of its continuing cooperation with the ICC and explain what measures it is taking to protect the country from the consequences of that policy,” she added.
Marcos issued the statement after Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippine government could not intervene in the United States’ campaign to isolate the ICC and deprive it of political and financial support.
“The policies of the United States are not within the Philippine government’s control,” Castro said.
The Trump administration has urged other countries to withdraw from the ICC, describing the international tribunal as a threat to US sovereignty.