The Philippines is a sovereign country. We have our own Constitution, criminal laws, civil laws, political laws and administrative laws governing us. Our judicial system is perfectly working and the Courts adhere to the rules of law in performing its duties. In rendering justice, due process is strictly observed and the losing party has the option to exhaust all available legal remedies from the lower courts up to the Supreme Court, always with the assistance of counsel.
In criminal cases, when the accused(s) cannot afford to secure the services of a private lawyer, the state as a matter of course appoint a counsel de officio who shall represent the accused(s) in all stages of the proceedings. No foreign courts can interfere with our courts, even the International Criminal Court (ICC) because “it is intended to complement, not replace our national criminal system.”
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla reiterated the stand of the previous administration that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippine justice system not only because we have withdrawn from the Rome Statute but because all our courts are working. I am really wondering why the ICC is so obsessed with the deaths resulting from ‘drug war’ in the Philippines when said war has brought peace on the streets and in many homes. As per police reports, the number of drug-related cases have been considerably reduced and some places that were once addict-infested are now drug-free.
Instead of meddling with the justice system of the Philippines, it would be more acceptable and prudent if the ICC would exert its effort to investigate and punish the gunmen who went into a shooting spree killing innocent civilians in Europe and in America. Why focus on the Philippines? Are they belittling our capability and skill to investigate, prosecute and punish criminals in our jurisdiction? I guess they are committing a big mistake. Our lawyers and judges are at par or could even be more brilliant than those in the ICC.
The yellows-turned-pink are obviously collaborating with the ICC. It can clearly be gleaned from the statements of the opposition then and now that PRRD and some of his men should be investigated for the war on drugs purposely to protect the country and its people. If there is sufficient evidence to indict him and his men, then go ahead. Charge them in Philippine courts but not in the International Criminal Court which has no jurisdiction or legal authority to hear the case.
Dealing with the continued persistence of the ICC to interfere with our justice system is like ‘battle of the brains’ between them and the Philippine legal eagles. In the end, I know we shall win!
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
