Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said he is collating reports on the investigations into the drug war campaign assigned by then Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Remulla, however, maintained his position that the Philippines cannot be subject to investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) because it is no longer a member.

“First of all, we are no longer a member of the ICC. We withdrew our membership. That is likely one thing we will put in the discussion because if they will enter our country, what will be their reason if we’re no longer part of the ICC?” he said.

Remulla said the country has a working justice system.

“Why do other people have to lord it over or criticize what we’re doing? Don’t we have our own system to enforce our laws? That’s why I won’t include the ICC in initial discussions because we’re not a member,” he added.

After the reports are collated, Remulla said he will discuss these with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, Guevarra, who is now solicitor general, said the legal team of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. should seriously consider the ICC invitation to provide observations on the planned reopening of the investigation.

“Considering the importance of the ICC case not only to the individuals named in the complaint but also to the country as a sovereign state, the president’s legal team should indeed give this matter their most serious and careful consideration,” Guevarra said.

The solicitor general, however, said it is Marcos’ prerogative to determine what international organizations the country may join.

“I suppose the president’s primary consideration is always the best interests of our country with utmost regard for our national sovereignty,” he said.

On Monday, Marcos said the Philippines “has no intention” of rejoining the ICC after meeting his legal team last week.

Present during the meeting were Guevarra, Remulla, chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, an ICC-recognized lawyer who serves as private counsel.