HOUSE members, in a press briefing on Tuesday, formally stated that it is up to the executive branch if the Philippines would rejoin and cooperate with the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita “Atty. Migs” Nograles acknowledged the survey conducted by the Octa Research Group from Dec. 10 to 14, 2023, showing that 59% of respondents support the country rejoining the ICC, and 55% believe the Philippines should cooperate with the ICC’s investigation on the drug war.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong echoed the statement of Nograles, adding that the government should be responsive to data-driven studies.
On a personal note, Adiong remarked that they will respect the decision of the executive branch if they choose to rejoin based on the current public sentiment.
“This is ultimately an Executive decision for Malacañang to finally decide on,” Adiong said.
On the other hand, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said the survey is a vindication of House Resolution 1477 he filed together with Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. last year.
HR 1477 urges the appropriate Philippine departments and agencies to fully cooperate with the ICC’s inquiry into the former administration’s “war on drugs” campaign.
“On my part po, I’m not saying this is on behalf of the House, pero we welcome that development. It just vindicates po ang ating resolution. Ibig sabihin po mukhang majority po ng ating taong bayan ay with us on this effort,” he said.
Moreover, Gutierrez said that this cooperation with the ICC is all about sending the right signals to foreign investors, and hopes that the executive branch will reconsider their position in light of the new poll.
“As we mentioned, we’re part of the community of nations, hindi po tayo nag-iisa dito sa Pilipinas. We want to show them na we respect and uphold the rule of law, human rights,” he added.
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