APD | Philippines to bar international criminal court personnel

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA.March.20(APD) – The Philippines will deport ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda should she insist on entering the country to investigate alleged criminal acts by people in government.

Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo said the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the country’s domestic affairs.

Bensouda earlier said the ICC is unfazed by the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Hague-based tribunal and maintained they will still proceed with their investigation.

“With respect to ICC personnel who will come and violate our sovereignty they will be subjected to deportation,” Secretary Panelo was quoted saying.

“They do not have jurisdiction over us from the very start.  More so, if they believe that we have withdrawn, then what basis do they have to continue?” Mr. Panelo added.

He added should the ICC official continues to pursue this kind of undertaking, he said Ms. Bensouda is violating not only the sovereignty of the Philippines, but also the Rome Statute.

Mr. Panelo said the Rome Statute says when there is a preliminary investigation and or proceeding, then the ICC can proceed.  However, he added there was no preliminary investigation as there’s only a preliminary examination.

He likewise disagreed with the statement of Assembly of State Parties of the ICC President O-Gon Kwon that ICC is an effective way to promote accountability among the heads of state.

Secretary Panelo said the country’s judicial system is “robust, functional and very effective.”  He added former Philippine Presidents were made accountable with their actions. 

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)