Estrada files Senate resolution opposing ICC drug war probe

Senator Jinggoy Estrada filed a resolution expressing the Senate's opposition to the resumption of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC's) investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

In his Senate Resolution No. 492 filed on Monday, Estrada called the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber's decision authorizing the resumption of the probe "disrespectful" as it undermines the Philippines' judicial system.

Estrada added that on November 10, 2021, the government had asked the ICC to defer investigations and proceedings on the Philippine drug war.

“The letter of request stated that the Philippine Government has the first responsibility and right to prosecute crimes," said the senator.

"Further, it stated that the ICC may only exercise jurisdiction where the national legal systems fail to do so which was not the case for the Philippines as domestic institutions are fully functional and more than capable to address the concerns raised in the prosecutor’s notification.” 

Members of the House of Representatives, led by former President and Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, had earlier filed a resolution defending former President Duterte against any probe by the ICC. 

The ICC authorized the reopening of the drug war inquiry last January 27. — DVM, GMA Integrated News