Reiterating that ICC lacks jurisdiction over PH, PBBM says it will not assist in the inquiry.

 Reiterating that ICC lacks jurisdiction over PH, PBBM says it will not assist in the inquiry.

On Tuesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. restated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines and that his government will not assist the ICC in its inquiry into the previous administration's drug war.

The President said this in response to questions on whether the government approved of reports that ICC representatives were in the Philippines, whether the government would assist with the investigation, and whether or not the government had authorized their entry.

Permit me to repeat this one hundred times. I disagree that the ICC has jurisdiction over the Philippines. I don't because I see it as a danger to our national sovereignty. President Marcos stated in a media interview held after an event in Quezon City that "the Philippine government will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts."

However, as ordinary people, they can come and visit the Philippines but we will not help them. In fact, we are watching them, making sure that they are not— that they do not come into contact with any agency of government,” he added.

Additionally, Marcos stated that he gave the order to refuse to collaborate with the international body's envoy if the ICC contacts local governments or law enforcement officers.

That we would not participate in any manner, shape, or form in any of the investigations the ICC is conducting here in the Philippines because we do not acknowledge your jurisdiction, "Huwag niyong sasagutin, ‘yun ang sagot natin." the President declared.

After the investigation was put on hold in November 2021, the ICC approved its reopening in January 2023. The government's appeal against the investigation's restart was also turned down by the ICC Appeals Chamber in July 2023.

Despite acknowledging jurisdiction issues, President Marcos stated in November of last year that reentering the international tribunal is "under study."

In 2019, former president Rodrigo Duterte's government saw the Philippines withdraw from the Rome Statute as a result of the tribunal opening an investigation into his administration's drug war.