DOJ Warns Government Officials Versus ICC Cooperation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday (April 25) warned government officials against cooperating with the International Criminal Court.

“The President has very firmly said that we will not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC because we do indeed have a very good and robust legal system,” DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV recalled during a press conference in Malacañang.

For this reason, the DOJ spokesperson warned that “when a government official or official coordinates with the ICC against the direction, or order and policy of the government, accountability may arise.”

The lawyer cited that these government officials or officials could potentially be held liable under Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees.

The ICC has launched an investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed by former President Rodrigo Duterte and other officials in connection with the killings that took place during his drug war.

Recently, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said that ICC investigators have already communicated with more than fifty active and former officials involved in the crime.