House quad-committee rejects ICC cooperation over Duterte crimes

The House quad-committee will not cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding crimes against humanity involving former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to Lead Co-Chairperson Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

Barbers stated on Monday that since the Philippines is not a member of the ICC, it has no obligation to provide information and cannot be compelled by a subpoena from the court.

The quad-committee conducted 13 hearings focusing on Duterte's war on drugs and related issues such as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and money laundering, with discussions available online through platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

Despite Interpol issuing an arrest warrant for Duterte on March 11, the quad-committee maintains its position of non-cooperation with the ICC and emphasizes that the court can access records from social media platforms instead of seeking information from them.

Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc reiterated their call for the Philippines to rejoin the ICC, emphasizing the need for justice for victims of Duterte's war on drugs.