President Duterte is not at all worried by attempts to put him on trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the alleged killings linked to his war on drugs.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque asserted that the President remained focused on his duty but would not allow any foreign meddling that would infringe on the country's sovereignty.
"The President has not been bothered by this case. They can do whatever they want. The President is firm that he has to do what has to be done as a duly elected President," Roque said over ANC television Wednesday, June 16.
"Let them do what they want if they could, but meanwhile, he will assert Philippine sovereignty and independence from foreign interference," he added.
Even as Duterte has refused to cooperate with any investigation planned by the ICC, Roque made clear that the President would not tolerate any abuses related to the government's campaign against the illegal drug trade. Policemen implicated in abuses must be held accountable, he added.
"He has given the public an opportunity to file their complaints. There are ongoing investigations in the DOJ (Department of Justice) now," Roque said.
"If there is anyone who feel that they are victims, the Philippine President has repeatedly said he would not countenance police action that violates the law but will support them when they are on the right so I think that's a proper perspective of the President," he added.
Outgoing ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda recently asked the tribunal to open an investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity during the drug war from 2016 to 2019. The Philippines left the Rome Statute that created the ICC shortly after a preliminary examination into the drug war was initiated by Bensouda in 2018.
The Palace however slammed Bensouda's request to launch a full inquiry in the drug war as "legally erroneous and politically motivated."
Roque said the President would not cooperate with any foreign probe due to lack of jurisdiction and breach of the principle of complementarity. The ICC, considered a court of last resort, had no business meddling in local affairs since the country's workers are fully functioning, he added.
In withdrawing the country's ICC membership, Duterte had complained about the alleged violations of due process amid the probe on his drug war. He added the Rome Statute, ratified by the Senate in 2011, was not enforceable in the country since it was not published in the Official Gazette, a legal requirement before a law takes effect.
The country's withdrawal from the Hague tribunal became official in March 2019.
Duterte, who has brushed aside allegations of human rights abuses in his drug war, has dismissed the ICC as an "idiotic court.” He has refused to recognize the jurisdiction of the international court, saying he would only face trial in the country.