A complaint has been filed with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Philippine Senators Pia Cayetano and Robin Padilla, alleging they are obstructing justice in the court’s investigation into the Philippines’ “war on drugs.” The complaint, submitted by a coalition of human rights advocates, accuses the senators of attempting to shield Senator Ronald dela Rosa from the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The communication was transmitted to the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor, which is currently investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines between Nov. 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. This period covers the anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte, during which Senator dela Rosa served as chief of the Philippine National Police.
According to the filing groups, the complaint centers on actions taken by Cayetano and Padilla within the Philippine Senate. It specifically cites their sponsorship of resolutions defending the country’s sovereignty against the ICC investigation and their public statements in support of dela Rosa. The complainants argue these actions constitute an attempt to prevent the court from exercising its authority.
Kristina Conti, a lawyer who represents victims’ families before the ICC, commented on the development in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Conti stated that the complaint against the two senators would not have a “direct impact” on the primary investigation involving dela Rosa.
However, she added that the filing “will help in putting pressure to make [dela Rosa] surrender.” Conti is not an official of the ICC but serves as legal counsel for individuals recognized as victims by the court.
The Philippine government has consistently maintained that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the country. The Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, in March 2019. Government officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., have stated that the country’s domestic legal and judicial systems are functioning and capable of addressing any alleged abuses.
Senators Cayetano and Padilla have previously defended their positions, asserting their actions are legitimate expressions of national sovereignty and part of their duties as legislators. They have described the ICC’s investigation as an infringement on the country’s internal affairs.
The ICC Office of the Prosecutor will review the complaint as part of its standard procedure to determine if the allegations fall within its jurisdiction and warrant further examination. The court has not issued an official statement regarding the complaint against Senators Cayetano and Padilla.
