Senate inquiry into ICC, UN 'impolite intrusion' in PH sought

A resolution has been filed in the Senate seeking an inquiry into the "impolite intrusion" and "unwarranted presence of various intergovernmental organizations" in the country.

In Senate Resolution No. 927 filed on February 7, Senator Imee Marcos particularly mentioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations (UN).

According to Sen. Marcos, the supposed unwarranted presence of these groups "pose[s] a threat to the country's independence and sovereignty."

The four-page resolution cited the supposed visit of ICC investigators to the country in December — as bared by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV — to gather evidence as part of their investigation into the Duterte administration's violent drug war.

Sen. Marcos noted that the ICC is still continuing with its investigation despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute, which establishes the ICC, in 2018, and despite President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s statement that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country.

She also mentioned the visit of UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan from late January to early February where the UN official recommended, among others, the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

"The abovementioned actions of the representatives of the UN and the ICC have become allegedly an impolite intrusion against the independence, sovereignty, and prerogative of the Philippines to formulate, launch, and implement programs that address the peace and order situation of the country and ensure the general welfare of the people," said Sen. Marcos, the President's sister, in her resolution.

"These undue interferences could prove counterproductive to the country's staunch fight against terrorism, armed conflict, illegal drugs, crimes, and other acts that pose a serious threat to public security and public order," she added.

Khan, ICC

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said Khan's visit would give the Philippines an opportunity to demonstrate its "flourishing democracy." 

"This visit is an opportunity for the Special Rapporteur to appreciate the well-rooted and flourishing democracy of the Philippines, as the oldest democratic Republic in Asia, as seen in the vibrant media landscape and civic space," the DFA said in a January 20 statement.

During her stay in the country, Khan visited various government agencies and talked with personalities such as Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Among the government entities she visited were the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

She also visited civic society organizations and certain personalities.

The Philippine government, however, has rejected Khan's recommendation to abolish NTF-ELCAC, citing its progress in quashing decades-old rebellion and the weakening of armed guerillas.

The Appeals Chamber of the ICC, meanwhile, has rejected the Philippine government's bid for the suspension of the ICC prosecutor's investigation into the drug war killings.

The Chamber said that the Philippine government failed to explain the Court’s lack of jurisdiction or to provide explanation of the implications and scope of investigation.

It also pointed out that the local investigation can proceed even with the ongoing ICC investigation. —KBK, GMA Integrated News