Dela Rosa has cautioned the Philippines against a hasty return to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Citing the potential risks to the country’s sovereignty, national security, and financial stability, Dela Rosa urged a thorough assessment of the implications before making a decision.
Dela Rosa’s Monday statement highlighted the importance of weighing the pros and cons of rejoining the ICC before making a final decision.
In a stark warning to the incoming administration, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has expressed his opposition to the Philippines’ possible return to the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing the potential risks to the country’s sovereignty and national security.
Dela Rosa, a former police chief and staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, believes that rejoining the ICC would be a grave mistake, as it would subject the Philippines to the jurisdiction of a foreign court.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Dela Rosa: “We Cannot Allow Any Foreign Court to Interfere with Our Internal Affairs”
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, vehemently opposes the Philippines’ rejoining of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He contends that such a move would compromise the country’s sovereignty by subjecting it to the jurisdiction of a foreign court.
“We cannot allow any foreign entity to meddle in our internal affairs,” Dela Rosa asserted resolutely. “Our sovereignty is paramount and must be safeguarded at all costs.”
Dela Rosa Raises Concerns About ICC's Financial Burden
Dela Rosa Raises Concerns About ICC’s Financial Burden
He also expressed concern about the potential financial burden of ICC membership, noting that the court is notorious for its hefty fees and expenses.
“The ICC is a very expensive organization,” Dela Rosa asserted. “We need to make sure that we can afford to contribute to its budget.”
Dela Rosa’s Opposition Aligns with Duterte’s Position
Dela Rosa’s opposition to ICC membership aligns with the position of President Duterte, who withdrew the Philippines from the court in 2019. Duterte has consistently accused the ICC of being biased against the Philippines and interfering with its domestic affairs.
Growing Movement to Rejoin ICC
However, there is a growing movement in the Philippines to rejoin the ICC, with many human rights advocates and activists arguing that it is necessary to hold the country’s leaders accountable for any potential abuses of power.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution in July urging the Senate to ratify the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, and the Senate is currently considering the resolution.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Dela Rosa's Opposition Carries Significant Weight
Dela Rosa’s Opposition Carries Significant Weight
Despite these concerns, there is a growing movement in the Philippines advocating for ICC rejoining. Human rights advocates and activists argue that ICC membership is crucial for holding the country’s leaders accountable for potential abuses of power.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution in July urging the Senate to ratify the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The Senate is currently considering the resolution.
Dela Rosa’s statement comes at a critical juncture as the Senate prepares to vote on the resolution. His opposition carries significant weight, given his stature as a respected political figure and close ally of President Duterte.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
The Senate vote is expected to take place within the next few weeks. Whether the Senate heeds Dela Rosa’s call for caution or proceeds with ICC ratification remains to be seen. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for the Philippines’ relationship with the international community and its commitment to upholding human rights.
