DUTERTE PANAGUTIN: Kin of victims welcome House reso urging PH govt to rejoin ICC

[KARAPATAN Public Information]

PRESS RELEASE

24 February 2026

Reference: 

Duterte Panagutin Campaign Network, through Karapatan Public Information Desk, 0918-9790580

Kin of victims welcome House reso urging PH govt to rejoin ICC

Families of victims of Duterte’s “war on drugs” expressed support for the House resolution filed by Makabayan lawmakers urging the Philippine government to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“[R]ejoining the ICC would send a clear and strong message that the Philippines honors its international obligations, respects the sanctity of life, and is committed to breaking the cycle of impunity and state violence,” read the House Resolution No. 809 filed by Kabataan Rep. Renee Co, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago and ACT Teachers Party Rep. Antonio Tinio.

Llore Pasco, whose sons Crisanto and Juan Carlos were killed, said that the Duterte administration unilaterally withdrew from the Rome Statute to evade accountability. “Malinaw na natakot si Duterte na siya ay mapanagot sa madugong war on drugs. Akala niya ay makakaligtas siya sa pag-alis ng Pilipinas sa ICC.”

(It’s clear that Duterte fears being held liable for the bloody war on drugs. He thought that the country’s withdrawal from the ICC would save him.)

“Kahit pa tinangka niyang paiiklihin ang jurisdiction ng ICC, sapat na ang ebidensya mula 2016 hanggang Marso 2019 para mapatunayan na siya ay kriminal dahil sa pagpapatupad ng patakarang labag sa international law.”

(Even if he tried to shorten the jurisdiction of the ICC, the evidence from 2016 until March 2019 is enough to prove that Duterte is a criminal as he implemented a policy violating international law.)

Rubylin Litao, national coordinator of Rise Up for Life and for Rights, said it is only logical for the Philippines to rejoin the ICC. “With the Philippines as chair of the ASEAN, it must set a good example to the region by upholding human rights and respecting international law through rejoining the ICC,” she said.

Litao added that the Philippines is a state party to several human rights instruments. “Adherence to international covenants should not be mere lip service. The Philippine government must address impunity, improve accountability mechanisms and stop drug-related killings,” she added.

Another relative of an EJK victim, Jane Lee, called on the Filipino people to support the resolution. "We should show support to this resolution, and for victims’ families to study this matter."

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