We welcome the just and fair ruling of the Supreme Court that dismissed petitions questioning the Philippine Government’s unilateral withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

As the chief architect of our country’s foreign policy and international engagements, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, well within his capacity, upheld our sovereignty by withdrawing from the ICC who insists on getting involved with our nation’s affairs, and hindering our collective progress in securing the safety of our country from societal ills.

We assert that the government, under the leadership and through the strong political will of President Duterte, continues to uphold and respect human rights and the rule of law while aiming to eradicate criminality.

Our functioning legal and judicial systems and our constant engagements with different independent and international organizations, are a testament that this government is committed to protecting and championing human rights.

###