ICC: Protesters in Manila urge the Philippine government to rejoin the International Criminal Court on the sixth anniversary of its withdrawal.
Protesters in Manila call for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court.
Withdrawal happened six years ago under former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte faces accusations of crimes against humanity for his ‘war on drugs.’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains firm in not rejoining the ICC.
Protests Call for the Philippines to Rejoin the ICC
On Monday, protesters gathered in Manila to demand the Philippines’ reentry into the International Criminal Court (ICC). This demonstration coincided with the sixth anniversary of the country officially pulling out of the international body. Protesters cited the need for justice and accountability, particularly for the thousands of lives lost during the controversial ‘war on drugs’ initiated under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Activists emphasized that rejoining the ICC would signal the nation’s commitment to addressing impunity for alleged crimes against humanity.
The ICC and Duterte’s ‘War on Drugs’
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration has been a subject of international scrutiny due to the ‘war on drugs’ campaign, which resulted in significant casualties. Official government statistics estimate the death toll at 6,000, but other accounts suggest the count could be as high as 30,000. Duterte’s controversial policy targeted alleged drug users and traffickers, but its methods and outcomes drew widespread condemnation. The ICC launched an inquiry into the campaign, prompting Duterte to announce the withdrawal of the Philippines from the organization six years ago.
Rejoining as a Step Toward Justice
Activists argue that the Philippines’ reintegration into the ICC would illustrate the current government’s dedication to justice and accountability. One organizer described rejoining as a “logical step forward,” highlighting the recent pretrial hearing in The Hague where Duterte appeared remotely. For protesters, rejoining the ICC represents more than legal membership—it reflects a national stance against impunity. Despite these appeals, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has firmly stated he has no intention of reversing the decision to leave the ICC. Critics argue that this position undermines the country’s ability to resolve allegations of human rights violations.
Broader Implications for Justice and Accountability
Rejoining the ICC would not only address allegations from the past but also strengthen the country’s mechanisms for upholding accountability in the future. Protesters believe that membership in international organizations such as the ICC bolsters the integrity of a nation’s justice system. It also sets a precedent, demonstrating to both local and international communities that violations of human rights will not go unchecked. Additionally, advocates emphasize that the ICC provides an impartial platform to address large-scale crimes, which national legal systems may not always adequately prosecute due to biases or political influence.
The Road Ahead for the Philippines
As the Philippines commemorates its withdrawal from the ICC, the continued demands from activists underscore the desire for structural reforms in justice and governance. Restoring ICC membership could create an avenue for unresolved cases to be heard, especially for victims of the anti-drug campaign and their families. However, the path to rejoining remains uncertain, given Marcos Jr.’s stance and the complex political dynamics surrounding the country’s justice policies. Nonetheless, the persistence of demonstrators and international scrutiny could compel the government to reconsider its position in the future.
Commentary
The Importance of Rejoining the ICC
The recent protest in Manila underscores not only a shared frustration but also a collective hope for justice and accountability in the Philippines. Rejoining the ICC could pave the way for comprehensive investigations and trials related to alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte’s administration. For many, the country’s withdrawal from the ICC signaled a step away from global cooperation in seeking justice. This movement represents a turning point for Philippine society to decide whether it will prioritize addressing these dark chapters of its history.
Balancing Sovereignty and Global Accountability
It is understandable that the decision to stay out of the ICC might be justified by arguments of preserving sovereignty or addressing crimes domestically. However, past experiences suggest that national mechanisms have not been sufficient to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. International oversight should not be viewed as an infringement but instead as an opportunity for a fair and impartial system of justice. Further, rejoining the ICC would not mean forfeiting sovereignty but rather embracing global solidarity in the fight against impunity.
A Step Toward Healing and Rebuilding
For the Philippines, rejoining the ICC could facilitate national healing for the families of those who lost loved ones in the war on drugs. Providing them with a sense of justice would not only close chapters of unresolved pain but also serve as a commitment to future generations that such violations will never again go unaddressed. President Marcos Jr.’s decision to reject calls for ICC participation risks alienating those seeking justice. The voices from Monday’s protests remind us that justice transcends politics and national borders, and the path forward requires a commitment to confront the past.