Sen. Tolentino gives Sen. Dela Rosa his advice on how to handle ICC issue
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 The latest international criminal court decision junking the country's petition to suspend a planned probe on the former president's illegal drugs war
00:08 only cemented the resolve among senators to resist, reject and protect one of its own and the government at large.
00:16 Still a lone voice expectedly stood out to welcome the decision and urged the ICC to do its work in seeking justice for the alleged thousands of bereaved victims.
00:25 Our Daniel Manalastas has more.
00:29 Chill. Chill. Chill. Chill.
00:34 Relax. There's no jurisdiction.
00:38 This is a piece of advice Senator Francis Tonentino gave to Senator Ronaldo de la Rosa,
00:43 who is in hot water in the investigation of the International Criminal Court on his former boss's illegal drug war.
00:50 After the ICC rejected the appeal of the Philippine government to suspend or end all investigations in the past administrations all-out war versus narcotics,
01:00 Tonentino had a positive insight on the panel's 3-2 vote, saying it was not unanimous.
01:08 Had it been 4-1, it's different.
01:12 Had it been 5-0, it's different. 3-2.
01:16 The decision was really hairline.
01:19 But if you read the decision, it seems that the dissenting opinion of the two is more substantial.
01:29 The Senator said ICC members may be immediately turned back to enter the Philippine territory if they decide to push through.
01:37 The immigration and deportation is under the DOJ.
01:40 So maybe they will release the 14% and they will return.
01:45 And in the event the ICC issues an arrest warrant, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Senate won't give up de la Rosa unless it's a local court warrant.
01:55 For Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, if the Philippines allows and accommodates the ICC's wishes, it's like saying we are a failed state.
02:03 Senator Mark Villar, meanwhile, maintained the justice system in the country is working and more than enough reason for the ICC not to interfere.
02:12 We have a working justice system. We have a working democracy.
02:17 In fact, we are one of the most, I think, in terms of democracy, one of the most vibrant democracies in the world.
02:26 So I don't see the need for international bodies to come in and interfere with our institutions that are already working.
02:39 For Senator Risa Jonteveros, this is an important first step in achieving justice for the alleged victims of the illegal drug war.
02:47 Daniel Manalastas for The Nation.
02:49 for the nation.