Close to six in 10 Filipinos support the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court, which is trying the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a survey released by OCTA Research on Monday showed.
The survey, conducted between April 20 to 24, 2025, also showed that 37 percent are not in favor of the country rejoining the ICC, and six percent undecided.
Support for rejoining the ICC was strong in most regions of the country, with at least 60 percent of respondents expressing support in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, and the Visayas.
However, Mindanao – considered the bailiwick of Duterte, logged the highest opposition at 66 percent, with only 30 percent supporting the country’s possible return to the ICC.
“These results indicate a generally favorable national sentiment toward reengaging with the International Criminal Court, while also highlighting notable regional and demographic differences in public opinion,” OCTA Research said.
Across socioeconomic classes and age groups, support for the country rejoining the ICC remained relatively consistent, with at least half of the respondents in each category in favor.
The same survey also showed that an overwhelming 85 percent of Filipinos are aware of the ICC, indicating a high level of interest in the organization. Only 13 percent said they are unaware of it.
The survey was based on the answers of 1,200 registered voters who participated in field interviews, with a margin of error of ±3 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.
In an interview with Manila Standard, independent policy analyst and constitutionalist lawyer Michael Yusingco said rejoining the body will be beneficial to the country.
“The decision to rejoin the ICC is really about whether the Philippines would still want to adhere to the principles and objectives of the Rome Statute. It is a matter of our country aiming to be a member in good standing of the international community. A decision not to rejoin simply means a rejection of both,” said Yusingco.
For her part, lawyer Evecar Cruz-Ferrer, who teaches international law, humanitarian law, and human rights, echoed the same sentiment.
“Being part of the ICC provides the opportunity and venue to hold accountable officials at the highest-level for violations of International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, something that is difficult to do utilizing Republic Act No. 9851 alone,” she said.
Earlier, Presidential Communications Office Usec. Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to talks as to the possibility of rejoining the ICC.
Castro made the statement after the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression urged the Philippine government to ratify international human rights treaties and restore its past ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC.
The country, under then President Duterte, withdrew from the Rome Statute on March 17, 2019.
“In my opinion, yes (the President is open) and it’s just not being discussed right now. But with these kinds of suggestions, the President is open to have talks regarding this,” Castro said.
Days later, Castro clarified rejoining the ICC was not on Mr. Marcos’ agenda.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Nearly 6 in 10 Filipinos back PH rejoining ICC—survey.”
