Human Rights Watch: Break from ICC has impact on PH business

The watchdog group Human Rights Watch has urged the Philippine government to reconsider its decision to disengage from the International Criminal Court.

According to Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras," the organization indicated that the country's break from the Rome Statute would have an impact on the Philippines' standing in the international community.

For instance, the European Parliament has filed a resolution urging the Philippines to return to the fold of the statute.

‘GSP+’

One of its committees also said that human rights were one of the EU's bases for granting GSP+ status—the privilege to export goods to EU member countries with a smaller or zero tariff.

The Philippines' GSP+ status expires this year.

"Dapat sinusunod ng Pilipinas 'yung mga 'yun para mababa yung taxes na kokolektahin sa export ng Pilipinas," HRW senior researcher Carlos Conde said.

(The Philippines should follow these so it may enjoy smaller tax rates on its exports.)

"Dapat makita ng gobyerno na may epekto itong hindi nila pakikipagtulungan. May epekto ito sa bansa. May epekto ito sa negosyo," he added.

(The government should see the impact of its non-cooperation. It has an impact on the country. It has an impact on business.)

PH to listen

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has indicated that the Philippines would continue to listen to the ICC even after it had cut its ties with the tribunal.

"Ayaw naman natin na supladuhan at maging masama sa ibang bansa na mahusay makipag-usap. Ngunit ang panghihimasok ay hindi katanggap-tanggap," Remulla said.

(We don't want to be arrogant and be disagreeable to countries who properly talk to us. But interference is not acceptable.)

The ICC Appeals Chamber on Tuesday denied the appeal of the Philippine government against the resumption of the investigation into the controversial war on drugs.

This was announced by  during an open court hearing in The Netherlands.

“Before I address the merits of the appeal, I would like to state that it is rejected by the Appeal Chamber by majority and that the impugned decision is, therefore, confirmed,” Presiding Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut said.

Remulla had said that the Philippines woud not comply if the ICC issued warrants against individuals allegedly involved in the killings related to the war on drugs.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra after a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday said the Philippines would end its coordination with the ICC after its decision to deny the country's appeal.

‘Done with the ICC’

On Friday, Marcos said the Philippines was done communicating with the ICC in connection with its investigation into the country's drug war.

"Basta tapos na lahat ng ating pag-uusap sa ICC (We're done talking with the ICC)," Marcos told reporters in an interview in Zamboanga Sibugay when asked for his reaction on the ICC's push for investigation on the Duterte administration's war on illegal drugs. .

"Kagaya ng sinasabi namin mula sa simula (like what I've said before), we will not cooperate with them in any way, or form," he added.

"So, we continue to defend the sovereignty of the Philippines and continue to question the jurisdiction of the ICC in their investigations here in the Philippines."

Marcos noted that the alleged crimes were committed in the Philippines and therefore should be investigated in the country. —NB, GMA Integrated News