House committee to submit documents to ICC if subpoenaed

The House quad committee is likely to submit documents, including hearing transcripts, to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if subpoenaed for the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

This decision comes despite previous commitments against submitting information to the ICC, with panel chairperson Ace Barbers stating the tribunal has no authority over the Philippines after its 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Representative Angelo Jil Bongalon explained that the committee would be compelled to comply with a subpoena due to the ICC's jurisdiction over Duterte's drug war prior to the Philippines' withdrawal.

Bongalon noted that witness testimonies are already public, but official transcripts and other evidence would be provided if officially requested via subpoena.

He further emphasized that submitting evidence and responding to subpoenas are compulsory processes in any trial, and the Philippine government, through the quad committee, is bound to adhere to ICC orders.