MANILA — The militant Makabayan bloc is urging the Marcos administration to take steps for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), filing House Resolution (HR) No. 809 in the House of Representatives.

Filed by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co, the resolution seeks the formal endorsement of Congress to facilitate the country’s return to the ICC, which investigates serious international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

“The House of Representatives, through this resolution, formally expresses its sense urging the government of the Republic of the Philippines to take necessary steps toward the re-accession of the Philippines to the Rome Statute, thereby rejoining the International Criminal Court and reaffirming its commitment to upholding justice, human dignity, and the rule of law,” HR No. 809 states.

The Makabayan lawmakers emphasized that rejoining the ICC would demonstrate the country’s respect for international obligations, human life, and the rule of law, while signaling a commitment to ending impunity and state violence.

The resolution coincided with the ICC’s confirmation hearing on charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, who allegedly led a bloody war on drugs during his administration.

The bloc recalled that the Philippines unilaterally withdrew from the Rome Statute in March 2018 under Duterte, a move widely criticized by local and international human rights groups as a retreat from accountability and transparency.

Despite the withdrawal, the Philippines remains obligated under Article 127 of the Rome Statute to cooperate with the ICC regarding acts committed while it was a State Party, including alleged crimes during the Duterte administration. The ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed in Philippine territory from November 1, 2011, to March 17, 2019, regardless of the country’s subsequent exit.

The Makabayan lawmakers described the ICC as “a court of last resort, activated only when domestic mechanisms are unable or unwilling to genuinely investigate and prosecute,” providing vital recourse for victims when national justice systems fail or are compromised.

“Reengagement with the ICC would strengthen the country’s global reputation as a rights-respecting democracy, restore international confidence in the Philippines’ legal system, and bolster partnerships rooted in justice, good governance, and the rule of law,” the authors said.

If adopted in plenary, the 300-plus-member House will formally express this sense of Congress.