Jimmy Bondoc opposes rejoining ICC, says prosecuting Duterte on EJKs up to local courts

Senatorial aspirant Jimmy Bondoc has expressed his opposition in rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte over drug war-related deaths, adding that it should be left to the local courts.

At the Panel Round of the “GMA Senatorial Face-Off 2025”aired Saturday, Bondoc, one of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Board of Directors under the Duterte administration, was asked regarding his stance on issues hurled against Duterte, particularly on extrajudicial killings.

"Kailangan po ng malinaw na disclaimer. Ako po ay tumatakbo sa ilalim ng PDP Laban at personal ko pong kaibigan si Pangulong Duterte. Sa kabila po ng lahat ng iyan, ako po ay naniniwala, una, kung sa ICC, no jurisdiction. Tapos ang usapan," he said.

(There should be a clear disclaimer. I am running under the PDP Laban and President Duterte is a personal friend of mine. Despite all that, I believe, first, as regards ICC, it has no jurisdiction in the country. End of discussion.)

"Pagdating po sa lokal na korte, bahala po sila. That is the proper forum kung gusto nilang kasuhan. Morally, I don't think we should do that to all our leaders na lagi na lang kinakasuhan ang dating presidente," added Bondoc, a lawyer.

(When it comes to the local courts, I leave it up to them. That is the proper forum if they want to sue him. Morally, I don't think we should do that to all our leaders, that we always sue our former presidents.)

Bondoc said he is confident that Duterte, a former prosecutor and former Davao City Mayor, will be able to defend himself in court.

"Kung kasuhan man siya, kaya naman niyang depensahan ang sarili niya dahil I believe that he has worked for the good of the Filipino people."

(If he is sued, he can defend himself because I believe that he has worked for the good of the Filipino people.)

Last January 23, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla indicated that the Philippine government might cooperate with the ICC probe in specific areas.

However, he emphasized that “lines have to be drawn properly.”

The ICC has expressed its approval of the country’s willingness to engage with its investigation into the drug war during Duterte's administration.

"The Office welcomes cooperation from State Parties... and looks forward to further exchanges with all relevant stakeholders, including national authorities, civil society, and others,” the ICC stated in response to recent developments. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

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