Former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) chairman Greco Belgica has called on world leaders to denounce the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Belgica sent letters to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging them to declare the ICC’s actions illegal.
According to Belgica, the ICC’s proceedings violate national sovereignty and due process. “Unjust foreign interventions without due process or political prosecution should not be allowed in the modern world,” he stated. His appeal aligns with Duterte’s long-standing rejection of the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines.
Duterte’s ICC Case and Arrest Concerns
Duterte is under investigation by the ICC for crimes against humanity related to his administration’s violent war on drugs. The probe focuses on thousands of extrajudicial killings allegedly committed under his leadership as both Davao City mayor and Philippine president. While the Philippine government withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court claims it still has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal.
Belgica has criticized the ICC for its lack of transparency, questioning why Duterte was not informed of an arrest warrant beforehand. He argues that the former president was simply enforcing national policies and should not be held personally responsible for every police operation carried out under his leadership.
Sovereignty vs. International Justice
The Philippine government has consistently opposed ICC intervention, insisting that the country’s judicial system is capable of addressing alleged abuses. Duterte’s administration previously argued that the ICC investigation was politically motivated and undermined Philippine sovereignty.
Supporters of Belgica’s position believe that allowing the ICC to prosecute Duterte sets a dangerous precedent, where international courts could bypass national legal systems. Critics of the ICC also claim it unfairly targets certain leaders while ignoring crimes in other countries.
Divided Global Response
While Belgica’s appeal seeks to rally international support, global opinions remain split. Human rights groups and victims’ families view the ICC case as essential for accountability, arguing that domestic investigations have failed to bring justice to those affected by the drug war.
The outcome of Duterte’s case will have lasting implications, not only for the Philippines but also for the broader debate on the ICC’s role in holding world leaders accountable. Whether Belgica’s plea will influence global leaders remains to be seen.