A legal professional from the Philippines has made a formal appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., urging the administration to take steps for the nation to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC). The lawyer argues that the decision to leave the global tribunal was flawed from both a legal and ethical standpoint.
Formal Appeal Sent to Malacañang
In a detailed letter sent to Malacañang and addressed to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, lawyer Rameses Victorius Villagonzalo laid out his case. Villagonzalo, whose name is listed on the ICC's official List of Counsel, stated that the Philippines' withdrawal from the court was not driven by the national interest.
He claimed the move was motivated by bad faith and personal interests. The formal notification of withdrawal was submitted on March 17, 2018, and it became effective one year later.
A Call to Rectify a Historic Wrong
Villagonzalo reminded the administration of the country's accession to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, on November 1, 2011. He described this step as necessary and vital for upholding international accountability and justice.
The lawyer's letter calls on the current government to correct the 2018 decision. He urged the Marcos administration to consider rejoining the Rome Statute "at the earliest opportune time." He stressed that this crucial decision should be made without political considerations or reference to any specific case pending before the ICC.
Strategic and Moral Imperatives for Return
Villagonzalo outlined significant benefits of ICC membership for the Philippines. He argued that being part of the court would act as a deterrent, helping to prevent future leaders from becoming tyrannical. It would also strengthen the country's legal framework against serious international crimes like aggression and war crimes.
Furthermore, he highlighted a strategic advantage. ICC membership could work alongside the Philippines' existing security agreements, such as the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. This combined legal and diplomatic force could be particularly valuable in protecting the country's maritime and territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines secured a favorable ruling from an international arbitral tribunal on this issue in 2016.
Villagonzalo expressed hope that President Marcos Jr. will view his appeal favorably and take action on what he describes as a serious national concern.
