We’re staying out of ICC probe — Remulla
JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said members of the European Parliament cannot force the Philippines to participate in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the Duterte administration’s violent drug war.
Remulla made this statement ahead of his meeting with the EU Subcommittee on Human Rights, which was ongoing as of this writing.
“We cannot be compelled to participate in the ICC investigation since we are no longer a member. Countries have to engage with each other. They should consult with us before imposing anything,” Remulla said in an interview.
“We are an independent nation, not a colony of European nations. We were once a colony of a European country for 500 years, but that is now over. They should talk to us first and not issue directives,” he added.
The European Parliament has expressed concern about the unnecessary deaths and abuses allegedly perpetrated during the prior administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The parliament has also adopted resolutions calling for an independent inquiry into the drug war killings and the detention of former senator Leila de Lima.
Last Monday, Remulla called on the ICC to stop meddling in the country’s justice system.
This, as the tribunal investigates allegations of unnecessary deaths and abuses during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
“Just a fair warning: Do not monkey around with our legal system, ” Remulla said in a chance interview.
“If they want to put into themselves the judicial powers of this country, then they will be committing a violation of our legal system, ” he continued.
Remulla, a former lawmaker from Cavite, maintained that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines as it is no longer a signatory of the Rome Statute.
