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By APD writer Carmelo M. Acuña
MANILA, Mar.16 (APD) – The Philippine government has formally withdrawn from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
This was confirmed by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations.
Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. (Twitter photo)
Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. said he has delivered the notice to the UN Chef de Cabinet Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti in a post on his Twitter account.
In a formal notice dated March 15,2018 and addressed to the United Nations Secretary General, Ambassador Locsin said the notice of withdrawal is in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Statute.
“The Philippines assures the community of nations that the Philippine Government continues to be guided by the rule of law embodied in its Constitution which also enshrines the country’s long-standing tradition of upholding human rights,” the notice said.
The notice further said the Philippine government “affirms its commitment to fight against impunity for atrocity crimes, nothwithstanding its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, especially since the Philippines has a national legislation punishing atrocity crimes.”
Ambassador Locsin said the government remains resolute in effective its principal responsibility to ensure the long-term safety of the nation in order to promote inclusive national development and secure a decent and dignified life for all.
The statement said the government’s decision to withdraw was based on “principled stand” against parties accused of politicizing and weaponizing human rights though the “government’s independent and well-functioning organs and agencies continue to exercise jurisdiction” amidst complaints, issues, problems and other concerns from the same government’s “efforts to protect its people.”
No immediate statement has been received so far in Manila from the New York-based United Nations.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)`
