Refuting fellow member, lawmaker says quad committee won’t help ICC in Duterte case

March 17, 2025 , 08:07 PM

(March 17, 2025) – The head of the quad committee in the House of Representatives on Monday clarified that it will not cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into former president Rodrigo Duterte’s possible crimes against humanity in his deadly war on drugs.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, who chairs the quad committee, maintained the stance in case the ICC requests evidence related to extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s vicious campaign.

“We’re not cooperating, we’re not coordinating, and we’re not giving any information that was elicited from the quadcom hearings because we are not a member of the ICC. Therefore, we are not obliged (to cooperate),” said Barbers.

He, however, noted that the ICC is free to use publicly available recordings of the quad committee’s hearings, which are accessible on social media.

He also dismissed the idea of complying even if the international tribunal issues a subpoena.

“We cannot be subjected to a subpoena. Maybe they can coordinate with the national government, perhaps with our DOJ (Department of Justice),” added Barbers.

The quad committee—composed of committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, human rights, and public accounts—investigated links between Duterte’s cruel war on drugs, the drug trade, and Philippine offshore gaming operators.

Barbers’ remarks refuted those of Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon, who stated on Wednesday that the quad committee would “most likely” comply if the ICC issues a subpoena.

Bongalon cited the ruling of the Supreme Court that the government must cooperate with the ICC if the investigation covers a period before the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Barbers, meanwhile, said he would personally support the Philippines rejoining the ICC.

“I cannot speak on behalf of the (quad committee) pero pabor ako sa ICC membership ng Pilipinas,” said Barbers. “It is in cases where there should be someone who would look into the delivery of justice to those who are oppressed, to those who are victims of crimes that have never been tried.”

(PM)

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