De Lima: Await ICC drug war probe results amid local investigation failures

Former Senator Leila de Lima stated that it would be better to await the results of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into the previous administration's war on drugs, as local investigations have been ineffective.

De Lima, speaking at a House Committee on Human Rights hearing, noted the lack of progress in local prosecution of drug war killings.

She expressed doubt that the current Marcos administration would undertake a significant effort to hold perpetrators of the drug war killings accountable.

De Lima explained that the ICC pushed through with its probe into complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte because it felt that local investigations into the supposed extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and the subsequent prosecution were lacking.

She clarified that the ICC's investigation should not be looked at negatively as it would not stop unless cases have been filed against top officials like Duterte.

De Lima added that the ICC's conclusion to authorize a probe was based on the assessment that Philippine processes do not amount to tangible, concrete, and progressive investigative steps.

She lauded the House panel for probing the alleged EJKs, but a congressional probe will not deter the ICC from proceeding with its investigation.