Sovereignty or shield? ICC appeal grows as powerful convicts can be freed at home

The Philippine government, led by former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, is increasingly opposing an appeal by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of war on drugs-related crimes, arguing that such matters should be handled domestically to uphold national sovereignty. Critics warn that this stance could allow powerful individuals to evade international justice and avoid accountability, potentially undermining global efforts to combat human rights abuses. This conflict highlights the tension between national sovereignty and international legal standards, raising questions about the future of domestic justice systems in the face of international legal intervention.