Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman has called for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, emphasizing that the move would reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights and international law.
In an Inquirer.net report, Roman stressed that returning to the ICC is a necessary step to demonstrate the Philippines’ adherence to legal and international standards.
“We left the ICC unilaterally, and I think it’s time we go back to show the world that we respect both local and international laws,” Roman said in Filipino. She underscored that legal frameworks protect not just ordinary citizens but also those in power, ensuring justice and accountability.
Her remarks came hours after Duterte was prevented from leaving the country via Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 as local authorities assisted Interpol in executing an arrest order issued by the ICC.
Roman also linked her appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on the rule of law, saying that returning to the ICC aligns with his governance principles. “If we truly support a rule-based order, then let’s walk the talk,” she added.
Duterte had withdrawn the Philippines from the ICC in 2018, arguing that the international tribunal was unfairly targeting him for alleged extrajudicial killings linked to his war on drugs. Despite the country’s exit, ICC officials have maintained that they retain jurisdiction over cases filed during the period when the Philippines was still a member.
Roman acknowledged that Duterte’s arrest could deepen political divisions but noted that such developments are “natural consequences” of legal processes.
Over the weekend, speculation about the ICC’s impending arrest order circulated as Duterte and his key allies traveled to Hong Kong, where he defended his drug war policies. However, past investigations, including the conviction of police officers involved in the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, have fueled concerns over human rights violations during his administration.
