On the ICC human rights probe Philippines

Sen. Grace Poe presides over the Finance Subcommittee A hearing Wednesday, August 28, 2024, on the proposed P40.6 billion budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its attached agencies for 2025. The proposed expenditure program of the agency was deemed submitted for plenary approval upon the motion of Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, committee vice chairperson. Earlier, Poe asked DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to clarify his position on the supposed arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte and others for extra-judicial killings. “You have mentioned that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction here but you also reiterated that although you will not cooperate with them, you will not hinder them from conducting their investigation. Please clarify,” Poe said. Remulla said the ICC can talk to the witnesses through video conferencing but ICC investigators have to go to Philippine courts before enforcing the arrest warrant. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)