UK laments Philippines' decision to quit ICC
MANILA, Philippines — The United Kingdom has expressed its regret over the Philippines' decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.
Earlier this year, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the Philippines would be withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC.
This decision came weeks after ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda began the preliminary examination — not an investigation — of the human rights situation in the country in connection with Duterte's crackdown against illegal drugs.
Speaking before a forum in Taguig City, UK Foreign Office Minister Mark Field said a rules-based international system has had a positive impact on global security and prosperity, protecitng people and countries, as well as helping them achieve their potentials.
"And this is why we regret that the Philippines has decided to leave the International Criminal Court — an institution that we consider to be a cornerstone of the Rules-Based International System, because it makes all people safer," Field said.
The British minister added that the UK has been working with its international partners to protect such rules.
"We believe that it needs the support of the whole international community and we are sure that the Philippines could make a great contribution," he said.
On August 28, the Supreme Court will hold oral arguments on the petitions challenging Duterte's withdrawl from the ICC.
The oral arguments will cover consolidated petitions from minority senators and the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court.
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