The House of Representatives’ Quad-Committee has affirmed its readiness to submit evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the upcoming trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte. This decision underscores the committee’s commitment to ensuring justice and accountability for alleged human rights violations linked to Duterte’s administration.
Jurisdiction and Compliance
Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member, from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. This timeframe includes Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao City and his presidency. House Assistant Majority Leader Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon confirmed that the Quad Committee is prepared to comply with ICC requests for testimonies, official transcripts, and other relevant evidence should the court issue a subpoena. Bongalon stated, “If a compulsory process—for instance, a subpoena—will be issued, most likely the committee will follow that subpoena because the ICC has already acquired jurisdiction over this case.”
Quad-Committee’s Role and Investigations
The Quad-Committee consists of four House committees investigating major issues, including the government’s anti-drug campaign, extrajudicial killings (EJKs), and the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Through its investigations, the committee seeks to uncover the truth behind these pressing concerns and ensure that those responsible face legal consequences.
Findings and Recommendations
In December 2024, the Quad-Committee recommended that charges of crimes against humanity be filed against Duterte and his key allies, including Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. The committee’s findings suggest that a systematic approach, known as the “Davao Template,” incentivized law enforcement officers to execute drug suspects rather than arrest them. Witness testimonies and supporting evidence indicated that police officers were rewarded for these killings, reinforcing the allegations of state-sponsored violence.
Government’s Position on ICC Cooperation
The Philippine government’s stance on cooperating with the ICC has been inconsistent. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin indicated in late 2024 that if the ICC issued a request for Duterte’s custody, domestic law enforcement agencies might be obliged to comply. However, Quad-Committee chairperson Representative Robert Ace Barbers initially expressed hesitancy in submitting findings to the ICC, arguing that the committee’s report was intended for local judicial processes.
Recent Developments and Calls for Accountability
Testimonies have intensified demands for justice. In October 2024, former Philippine police colonel Royina Garma testified that Duterte’s office allegedly paid police officers up to $17,000 per killing as part of his anti-drug operations. She claimed that Duterte personally instructed her to implement the so-called “Davao Model” nationwide, which prioritized extrajudicial executions over lawful arrests.
The Quad-Committee’s willingness to provide evidence to the ICC marks a significant step toward addressing allegations of human rights violations. By committing to transparency and adherence to international legal standards, the committee reinforces the importance of accountability in upholding justice and the rule of law.