07/06/2026
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has filed a resolution urging the government to restore the Philippines’ membership in the International Criminal Court. According to multiple news reports, De Lima said rejoining the ICC would show the country’s commitment to the rule of law, justice, and the fight against impunity.
The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, with the withdrawal taking effect on March 17, 2019. The ICC has also stated that it continues to handle matters involving alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a State Party to the treaty.
De Lima’s resolution comes as the ICC proceedings involving former President Rodrigo Duterte continue to draw public attention. Duterte has denied the allegations against him, and the case remains subject to formal legal process, evidence, and court rulings.
This issue reminds us that justice is not only about politics, but about trust in institutions and protection for ordinary people. Whether one supports or opposes the ICC, the deeper question is how a nation ensures accountability, fairness, and dignity for all. A strong democracy is built when truth is pursued carefully, rights are respected, and no one is placed above the law.