Politics

Seven House Lawmakers File Resolutions to Bring the Philippines Back Into the ICC — Timing Couldn’t Be More Dramatic

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Feb 23, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: The Manila Times

On the very same day the ICC began its confirmation of charges hearing against former President Duterte, seven House lawmakers filed two separate resolutions urging the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court.

House Resolution 809 was filed by the Makabayan bloc — ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co. They argued that the House is ‘duty-bound to champion justice, truth, and transparency’ and align the country with international human rights norms.

A second resolution, House Resolution 811, was filed by Akbayan Representatives Perci Cendaña, Chel Diokno, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, together with Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao. Both measures formally urge the government to take steps toward re-accession to the Rome Statute.

The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s orders after the court launched a preliminary examination of his deadly war on drugs. Despite the withdrawal, the ICC retained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member — which is why Duterte is now facing charges in The Hague.

Whether the resolutions gain traction in the 300-plus-member House remains to be seen, but the symbolic timing is hard to ignore. With Duterte on trial and the world watching, the push to return to the ICC is louder than ever. Babalik ba tayo? The debate begins now.

Source: The Manila Times

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