The Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court will not affect the country’s claim over the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, because China is not a member country of The Hague-based international court.
The Palace made the statement Saturday after Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said that withdrawing from the ICC would weaken the Philippines’ stance, in case China invades Scarborough Shoal and puts up military establishments there.
New Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said nothing connects the two issues.
“I don’t see any connection,” Panelo said, referring to China’s alleged plan to take over the WPS.
President Rodrigo Duterte previously announced that the Philippines is withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, due to “baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks” against him and his administration.
Duterte also reasoned that the Rome Statute is not affecting the country, as it was never published in the Official Gazette despite being ratified by the Philippines.
Panelo said the Philippines does not need the Rome Statute, as the country’s courts are functioning smoothly.
The Rome Statute was created so there would be a vehicle, the ICC, to prosecute countries perceived to be led by tyrants or violators of heinous crimes.
Panelo said the ICC has no jurisdiction over territorial disputes.