Hindi Pa Rin: Malacañang Says Marcos Jr. Still Not Rejoining the ICC Even After Duterte's Confirmation of Charges

Despite the International Criminal Court's confirmation of charges hearings against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang has made it crystal clear: the Philippines is still not rejoining the ICC. Press Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated that President Marcos Jr.'s position remains unchanged.

'Hindi pa rin natitinag ang kaniyang posisyon. Hindi pa po tayo magre-rejoin sa ICC. Sa ngayon po, same position hindi pa rin tayo magre-rejoin,' Castro told reporters. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute during the Duterte administration after the ICC expressed interest in investigating the war on drugs.

The statement comes as Duterte remains detained at The Hague, where a week of confirmation of charges hearings just concluded. Prosecutors presented judges with video clips of Duterte's speeches, arguing his violent rhetoric incited law enforcement to kill during the drug war that claimed thousands of lives.

Marcos has been under intense pressure from both sides — blamed by Duterte allies for allegedly facilitating the former president's arrest and transfer to The Hague, while human rights advocates push for the Philippines to return to the ICC fold. He even faced an impeachment complaint citing his supposed role in Duterte's surrender.

Castro notably did not elaborate on whether the government's position might change depending on the outcome of the hearings. Judges will now decide whether to send Duterte to full trial for crimes against humanity — a decision that could further complicate the Philippines' already tangled relationship with the international court.

Source: PhilNews / ABS-CBN News