Lawmakers' resolutions can't bind gov't to cooperate with ICC -- Solgen Guevarra
Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra said the government could not be bound by the various resolutions filed by lawmakers who have urged the administration of President Marcos to cooperate with the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“The House resolutions encouraging the government to cooperate, if adopted, are a non-binding expression of their sentiment only,” Guevarra said on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
He reiterated his stand that the Philippines will not cooperate with the ICC in its investigation.
“The government has no legal duty to cooperate with the ICC prosecutor in his investigation of the drug war because the ICC can no longer exercise its jurisdiction after the effectivity of the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019. The ICC prosecutor was authorized to investigate only in 2021,” Guevarra said.
Despite the stand of the government, Guevarra admitted that the government is not precluded from considering to rejoin the ICC.
“On the other hand, rejoining the ICC is a policy decision that will involve both the executive and legislative departments,” he pointed out.
“This matter needs a very serious study because many factors and competing interests need to be considered,” he stressed.
President Marcos had earlier said rejoining ICC is under study.