Duterte: ICC will ‘never, never, never’ have jurisdiction over me | Global News

Duterte: ICC will ‘never, never, never’ have jurisdiction over me

By: - Reporter / @JhoannaBINQ
/ 08:34 PM March 07, 2018

Rodrigo Duterte - Tarlac City - 7 March 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte led the 145th founding anniversary of Tarlac City, which coincided with the 2nd Kanlahi Festival, at the Bulwagang Kanlahi Wednesday, March 7, 2018. (Photo from an RTVM video)

President Rodrigo Duterte remained unfazed on Wednesday by the preliminary investigation being conducted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into his controversial campaign against illegal drugs, noting that the tribunal will “never, never, never” have jurisdiction over him.

He also hinted of a possible move to shield himself from the ICC.

Article continues after this advertisement

“They want me haled before the ICC,” Duterte said in a speech in Tarlac City on Wednesday. “I do not want to say this now, but they will never, never, never acquire jurisdiction over my person.”

FEATURED STORIES

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque insisted on Wednesday that the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign could not be considered as a crime against humanity because of its “legitimate purpose” – curb the proliferation of illegal drugs.

READ: Palace: War on drugs can’t be considered as a crime against humanity

The ICC in February launched a preliminary examination on Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs, which was believed to have killed thousands of suspected drug criminals.

Article continues after this advertisement

It will determine if there is a “reasonable basis” to proceed with an investigation in accordance with the criteria established by the Rome Statute.

Article continues after this advertisement

The ICC has jurisdiction on genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

Article continues after this advertisement

The preliminary examination stemmed from the complaint filed by Jude Sabio, lawyer of Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed member of the Davao Death Squad, which was linked to Duterte when he was still mayor of Davao City.

The President has maintained that despite the anti-drug campaign will continue until the last day of his term despite the ICC move.

Article continues after this advertisement

Duterte was in Tarlac City on Wednesday to lead the 145th founding anniversary of the city and the 2nd Kanlahi Festival at the Bulwagang Kanlahi. /atm

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: drug killings, EJKs, extrajudicial killings, ICC, International Criminal Court, Rodrigo Duterte, war on drugs

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.