RPPe House leaders open to ICC using EJK probe findings

MORE lawmakers have expressed their openness to the possibility of the International Criminal Court (ICC) using the findings of the House Committee on Human Rights into the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) related to the “war on drugs” of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

In a press conference Wednesday, Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez of Quezon, Assistant Majority Leader Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio Jr. of Manila, and House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chairman Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte noted that the public nature of these hearings allows the ICC to reference and use the information as needed in its own probe into the alleged crimes against humanity in Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign. 

The three House leaders agreed with the previous pronouncements made by Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez that the findings of the human rights panel could serve as evidence in the ICC probe.

The Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., has been conducting an extensive probe into drug-related EJKs during the previous administration, with all findings and records being documented and made available to the public.

Suarez said the results of the House inquiry, as public records, are accessible to anyone, including international bodies like the ICC. 

The lawmaker from Quezon province also said that public hearings are designed to address all angles of an issue and provide resource persons the opportunity to explain their positions.

“I do concur with the position of Congressman Dan Fernandez that it can be used not only by the ICC, but anyone for that matter. For as long as it will seem valuable for whatever endeavor they might want to proceed with,” he said.

Dionisio said the public nature of these hearings ensures that the information gathered can be utilized for various investigative purposes.

“‘Yung public hearings natin regarding the EJKs, lahat documented naman ‘yan. It’s open to the public. If it’s open to the public, it’s open to ICC. And for sure pwedeng gamitin nila ‘yan as reference,” he said.

Barbers said the detailed records and transcripts from the EJK hearings are available for the ICC and others to access. 

He said the ICC investigators might find useful leads or information within these public records that could aid in their probe.

“Again, it is a public record, and anyone can access these records. If the ICC would like to access this and probably feels that it will help them in their investigation, they can access these anytime,” Barbers said.

The House leaders also welcomed the recent statement made by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra regarding the ICC’s activities in the Philippines.

Guevarra stated that while the Philippines won’t assist, it also won’t obstruct ICC prosecutors from conducting interviews with suspects accused of crimes against humanity in Duterte’s war on drugs.

“With respect dun po sa position ni SolGen Guevara, again, a welcome development. We respect and recognize the position of the Solicitor General on this matter,” Suarez said. 

Dionisio added: “Well, ako sa akin, pagtulong sa ICC is one thing but stopping them is another. Parang hindi magandang picture ‘yung makikita kapag pinipigilan ng pamahalaan anyone who would like to inquire such information.” (END)