Why does the ICC have jurisdiction over Duterte?

Today is April Fool’s Day, and we should all be wary of fake news from paid trolls who don’t know the meaning and consequences of what they are posting.

- Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez

If we don’t wish to look stupid in all the ongoing debates concerning the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, it’s imperative we educate ourselves by reading the Rome Statute, R.A 9851, and the Philippines’ Articles of Withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

We should understand that the Rome Statute is the organic law that gave birth to the International Court of Justice. If we want to live under a regime of peace based on justice and truth, we should all advocate that the Philippines should return to the ICC.

In the case of Senators Pangilinan, De Lima, Hontiveros, Drilon, Trillanes, and Aquino vs. DFA Secretary Cayetano, GR 238875, we are being informed on the meaning and purpose of this important treaty. All Filipinos who care for justice should understand this case.

The Rome Statute is the only international convention that established a global judicial system having jurisdiction over four core international crimes; genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. It was adopted at a diplomatic conference of 120 states held in Rome, Italy, on July 17, 1998 and became effective July 1, 2002, after 60 state ratifications.