Allowing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to pursue its investigation against former president Rodrigo Duterte will boost the Philippines' chances of landing foreign investments.
Independent minority solon Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman made this claim Monday afternoon, Feb. 20, even as the proposals to amend the Constitution in the 19th gained steam.
"There are two major acts of international consequence which the Marcos Jr. administration can undertake to greatly enhance the entry of foreign investments in the country without amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution," Lagman said in a statement.
"First, allow the prosecutors to resume the investigation of crimes against humanity which were committed consequent to the vicious and brutal campaign on illegal drugs by former President Rodrigo Duterte," he said.
According to the Liberal Party (LP) president, the "contumacious refusal" of the Philippine government to submit to the clear jurisdiction of the ICC "makes the Philippines a renegade in the community of nations and deters foreign investors from coming in".
The ICC is looking at possible crimes against humanity during the previous Duterte administration, specifically in the conduct of its bloody war against illegal drugs.
"Second, order the public prosecutors to withdraw their feeble opposition to former Senator Leila de Lima’s petition for bail," Lagman said, referring to his incarcerated party-mate.
"The release of De Lima after almost six years of odious incarceration will bolster the government’s claim of adherence to human rights and the rule of law and will convince investors that they will have a safe haven in the country," the Bicolano claimed.
Earlier Monday, the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments upheld after a 16-3--1 (yes-no-abstain) vote the use of a Constitutional convention (con-con) in connection with the Charter change or Cha-cha measures.