Marcos: We will not rejoin ICC

The Philippines will not rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), Malacañang said Tuesday, reiterating President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position, despite a House resolution urging the return of the country to the tribunal.

Speaking in New York, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said, “The President’s stance has not changed. For now, we will still not rejoin the ICC.”

Castro said Marcos has not indicated any shift in policy regarding the country’s relationship with the international tribunal. She would not elaborate, saying her statement reflected the extent of the President’s position.

The Palace comment followed the filing of a House measure by the Makabayan bloc in late February calling for the country to rejoin the Rome Statute — the treaty that established the ICC.

The proposal came amid the ongoing ICC proceedings against former President Rodrigo Duterte who is facing crimes against humanity charges in connection with his bloody war on drugs.