Malacañang said that President Marcos’ policy regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) having no jurisdiction over the Philippines remains the same but noted that there is nothing wrong with the move of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to inform the President of his options.

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said this after the DOJ said that it would brief Marcos on the possible arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the ICC and the country’s possible return to the Rome Statute which formed the court.

In a statement, Garafil said that President Marcos has not changed his stand on the issue.

“The President's stance on the ICC remains clear and consistent,” she said on Thursday, May 9.

Marcos has been consistent in saying that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, saying the country has a functioning and robust justice system and law enforcement. The ICC has been investigating the infamous drug war of his predecessor.

Despite this, Garafil said the DOJ was within its purview when it said that it would brief the President on the matter.

“It is the duty of the Department of Justice to explore all legal avenues and ensure that the President is fully informed of his options,” she said.

“This is standard procedure, not a change in position, ensuring that our administration remains prepared for any scenario,” she added.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has claimed that several police officers have been working with the ICC in its investigation into Duterte’s drug war.

He added that an arrest warrant for Duterte would be out by June this year.