Trump Urges ICC Withdrawal; Philippines Undeterred

Following calls from Donald Trump for nations to exit the International Criminal Court, the Malacañang Palace confirmed it respects his viewpoint but sees no reason to alter a policy that has remained consistent since the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute on March 17, 2019.

The Malacañang Palace respects Trump's viewpoint but sees no reason to alter existing state policy, noting that the Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute on March 17, 2019.

Former US President Donald Trump characterized the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a 'rogue institution' and an 'out-of-control institution' during his address at the 81st UN General Assembly.

Trump expressed concern over the possibility of American military personnel facing politically motivated proceedings, arguing that such actions undermine national sovereignty.

Reuters reported that the US administration is preparing broader sanctions against the organization, following earlier penalties on individual prosecutors involved in cases against American citizens.

President Marcos argues that the Philippines possesses a functioning domestic judiciary capable of handling internal accountability, thus eliminating the need for ICC membership.

The government maintains that its own courts, police, and investigative agencies are sufficient to pursue justice for alleged crimes within the country.

Following his 2025 custody and surrender to the court in The Hague, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I unanimously confirmed three counts of murder and attempted murder against Rodrigo Duterte on April 23, 2026, for actions spanning from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.

Duterte surrendered to the ICC in The Hague in 2025 after being taken into custody in the Philippines, leading to the unanimous confirmation of three counts of crimes against humanity by ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on April 23, 2026.

The charges against Duterte involve murder and attempted murder, specifically citing incidents that occurred between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

Duterte maintains a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise by the court, having made his first physical appearance at a status conference in The Hague on September 16.

The ICC retains jurisdiction over conduct that occurred before the nation's March 2019 withdrawal, leading the palace to conclude that current political rhetoric will not materially affect the legal basis of the ongoing case.

The legal basis for the trial is independent of current Philippine political stances toward the ICC, with the court maintaining jurisdiction over conduct that occurred before the Philippines' March 2019 withdrawal.

The administration respects the US position but treats the Duterte case as a separate legal process, with Marcos emphasizing the importance of justice and due process in an April statement following the confirmation of charges.

The Philippines has already withdrawn from the ICC and will not seek to restore its membership, maintaining the status quo despite Donald Trump's recent calls for nations to exit.

The administration is navigating a careful line by respecting Washington's position while acknowledging its own policy, thus avoiding any commitment to rejoin the Rome Statute.

The palace has publicly accepted that the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte is moving through the ICC's own judicial process, treating it as an independent legal proceeding.

In April, after the court confirmed the charges against Duterte, Malacañang emphasized the importance of justice and due process for both the accused and alleged victims, separating these proceedings from political statements by Washington or Manila.

Until then, the court is dealing with procedural issues, evidence, and other preparations necessary for the case to proceed, signaling that Trump's recent intervention has not stopped the ongoing proceedings in The Hague.