By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa stated on Monday (27 Nov 2023) that the Philippines must undergo a formal process before it can rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This statement came in response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s mention of the possibility of the country returning to the ICC.
“If you want to rejoin, it will still go through a process,” Dela Rosa remarked.
“After the president’s ratification, it has to be concurred by the Senate with a two-thirds vote. So that’s the process. Back to zero, back to square one,” he added.
The senator underscored that deviating from the established process would be unconstitutional.
Marcos had previously mentioned that the Philippines’ return to the ICC is currently under consideration.
“Should we return under the fold of the ICC? So that is again under study. So we’ll just keep looking at it and see what our options are,” the President stated.
The ICC is currently investigating the war on drugs during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, during which Dela Rosa served as the Philippine National Police chief.
(ai/mnm)