The statement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on not cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its probe of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s war on drugs, was reemphasized by senators saying only the President has the discretion on the matter as the chief architect of the country’s foreign policy.

Senator Imee Marcos, in a statement on Tuesday, said the President’s statement is clear and she agrees with it.

She made the statement following a Senate resolution filed by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, urging President Marcos to cooperate and assist the ICC in its investigation in the country.

“So they really want trouble? Well, PRRD has said ‘Bring it on!’ But the decision to cooperate or not is one for the Executive, and my brother, the President of the Philippines, has already made it clear that the ICC has no jurisdiction to conduct the probe. I share that view,” Senator Marcos said.

In an interview with ANC on Monday, Senator Ronald dela Rosa reiterated that the justice system in the Philippines is working and the ICC does not need to interfere or do the work of the local courts.

“Very clear ‘yung sinabi ng ating Pangulo that hindi dapat makialam ang ICC. Hindi kailangan na tagalabas pa, mga banyaga pa ang magsasabi sa ating pulis kung sinong dapat hulihin, arestuhin, ikulong (What the President said was very clear that ICC should not interfere. Foreigners do not need to come here and dictate our policemen who to apprehend, arrest, or jail). We have to respect the decision of the President not allowing the ICC to come back,” dela Rosa said.

Last week, a resolution was also filed in the House of Representatives, urging the Marcos administration to work with the ICC in the investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s tenure.

The resolution was filed by House Human Rights Panel chairperson Bienvenido Abante Jr. and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez. (PNA)