Despite appeals from opposition lawmakers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintains his stance against the Philippines returning to the ICC, reiterating the government's position during a UN visit.
During a press briefing in New York, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro affirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains firm in his decision that the Philippines will not rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC). This statement comes amid renewed calls from opposition members of the Philippine House of Representatives urging the country to reconsider its withdrawal from the ICC. President Marcos, who is in New York for high-level meetings at the United Nations, was quoted by his spokesperson as saying, “The President’s stance has not changed. We will still not rejoin the ICC.”
The Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, in 2019 following an announcement by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. Duterte was later arrested in March 2025 on ICC warrants related to allegations of crimes against humanity during his controversial war on illegal drugs, which triggered calls for the Philippines to rejoin the international tribunal. Opposition lawmakers, including representatives from ACT Teachers Party-list, Gabriela Party-list, and Kabataan Party-list, formally filed a resolution in the House advocating for the country’s return to the ICC. However, the current administration remains unconvinced, with no changes in policy reported so far.
The official position underscores the government’s prioritization of national sovereignty and ongoing judicial processes locally over international intervention. Analysts note that this stance may impact the Philippines’ relations with international partners and its engagement with human rights mechanisms amid continued scrutiny.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979373/president-marcos-philippines-icc/story/
