Senator Imee Marcos expressed concern over the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision affirming its jurisdiction over the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, warning that it raises serious questions about the Philippines’ sovereignty following its withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
Marcos issued the statement after the ICC Appeals Chamber rejected Duterte’s petition seeking to dismiss the case on jurisdictional grounds. The former president had challenged the tribunal’s authority after the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2018, which took effect in 2019.
The senator said the ruling appears to disregard the country’s sovereign decision to exit the treaty and stressed that domestic institutions should take precedence when capable of addressing such cases.
“I am deeply disappointed with the decision of the International Criminal Court asserting jurisdiction over the case of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte. This determination disregards the Philippines’ sovereign withdrawal from the Rome Statute and undermines the principle that domestic institutions must be given primacy where they are able and willing,” Marcos said.
She added that the development raises broader concerns about international jurisdiction and national legal independence, emphasizing that justice should align with the Philippine Constitution and domestic laws.
“At its core, this raises serious concerns about respect for national sovereignty and the limits of international jurisdiction. Justice must be pursued in a manner consistent with our Constitution, our laws, and the integrity of our judicial processes,” she said.
In its ruling, the ICC Appeals Chamber maintained that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a state party to the Rome Statute, noting that the country’s withdrawal does not affect the court’s authority over acts committed during its membership.