ICC needs gov’t consent for activities in PH — DOJ

The Department of Justice seal at its main office. (INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines – The International Criminal Court (ICC) needs to seek prior consent from government agencies in the Philippines before conducting official activities in the Philippines, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Any presence of international bodies, such as the ICC, within our jurisdiction must be in accordance with our Constitution and relevant laws,” the DOJ said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Prior consent and approval of relevant Departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the DOJ must be obtained before any foreign entities can conduct official activities within our territory,” the DOJ added.

The Philippines withdrew as a State party from the ICC’s Rome Statute effective March 17, 2019.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said that after the Philippines disengaged completely from the ICC, it no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines.

“As the President has repeatedly declared, the ICC has lost jurisdiction, and any continuing investigation by the ICC is a threat to the country’s sovereignty,” Guevarra told reporters.

He said those who have legitimate complaints about any abuses committed during the war on drugs, “our own national institutions are ready to investigate and prosecute all those who have violated the law.”