Duterte not bothered by ICC decision on drug war

That is the only wish of Congressman Colmenares. Maybe that is his fervent wish. That will not happen

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and spokesman Salvador Panelo said Sunday that it is “wishful thinking” on the part of former partylist Rep. Neri Colmenares to think that President Rodrigo Duterte will soon face possible arrest due to allegations of human rights violations.

Panelo made the remark a day after Colmenares, who is currently the chair of National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), stated that the Chief Executive may face possible arrest as the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to finish its preliminary examination against him for alleged crimes against humanity.

“First and foremost, that is the only wish of Congressman Colmenares. Maybe that is his fervent wish. That will not happen,” Panelo said during a radio interview.

“Second, the ICC has no jurisdiction (over the Philippines), so it’s ineffective for them to issue a warrant. How will they enforce it?” he added, reiterating that Duterte knew that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country.

The ICC said it will rule on the case filed by lawyer Jude Sabio against President Duterte in April 2017 for “crimes against humanity” over alleged extrajudicial killings in his administration’s war on drugs.

“First there will be a preliminary investigation to determine if they have jurisdiction. Number two, there will be preliminary investigation to determine if there is probable cause or not. If there is, there will be a trial. But that’s too far, assuming if they do have jurisdiction but there is none, as far as we are concerned,” he said.

On the reports that the Commission on Human Rights is willing to help the ICC if they request for documents, Panelo said government doesn’t interfere with CHR.

When asked about the President’s reaction about the matter, Panelo said the President has long stated that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him and he is not bothered at all.

“No (the President is not bothered). I think it’s Colmenares who’s bothered,” he added.

PREsiDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go attend the wedding of Sen. Bato dela Rosa’s daughter Marianne Kristel dela Rosa to 1Lt. James Benneth Estoesta at the st. ignatius Chapel in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City. Also in attendance is sen. Francis Tolentino.