Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima is advocating for the Philippines to restore its membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC), asserting that re-engaging with the tribunal would demonstrate a powerful commitment to the rule of law and the fight against impunity.
Under House Resolution No. 1056, de Lima formally requested President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to begin the re-accession process for the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC.
The Philippines previously entered the Rome Statute in November 2011 during the term of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. However, the nation withdrew from the accord in 2018 under the directive of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a decision that became official on March 17, 2019.
Despite the exit, the ICC maintains it retains jurisdiction over any alleged crimes committed in the country while it was a state party from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.
In a statement issued on Friday, de Lima emphasized that re-entering the international court framework would bolster local accountability, safeguard human rights, and rebuild faith in the legal system.
“The re-accession of the Philippines to the Rome Statute of the ICC is vital to reaffirm the country’s commitment to justice and accountability, and to strengthen the protection of human rights and the rule of law aimed at deterring the commission of grave international crimes, and restoring public trust in institutions of justice,” de Lima said in a press release on Friday.
The lawmaker additionally called on her colleagues in the House of Representatives to support the resolution, stating that it would elevate the country’s international standing and show adherence to global legal frameworks.
“This will also reinforce the Philippines’ standing in the international community as a State that upholds its obligations under international law and defends the dignity of every human person,” the lawmaker added.
The development unfolds as former President Rodrigo Duterte is held in custody by the ICC in The Hague due to allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Additionally, the international tribunal has issued an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for his involvement in those same operations, though the legislator has remained out of the public eye.