MANILA, Philippines — Leila de Lima has filed a House resolution urging the Philippine government to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) by restoring the country’s membership in the Rome Statute.
De Lima, a representative of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list, filed House Resolution No. 1056 and called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to pursue the Philippines’ re-accession to the Rome Statute.
In a statement, de Lima said rejoining the ICC would reaffirm the country’s commitment to justice, accountability, human rights, and the rule of law.
The Philippines became a state party to the Rome Statute in November 2011 during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte initiated the country’s withdrawal from the treaty in March 2018. The withdrawal took effect on March 17, 2019.
The ICC has stated that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed in the Philippines while the country was a state party, from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.
De Lima urged members of the House of Representatives to support the resolution, saying that rejoining the ICC would strengthen the Philippines’ compliance with international law.
In a privilege speech delivered on Feb. 26, 2026, de Lima said international accountability mechanisms remain important when domestic institutions fail to provide accountability.
Duterte is currently detained at the ICC detention facility in The Hague in connection with allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The ICC has also issued an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa in relation to the same investigation.
The House resolution remains pending before the chamber.
