Philippine activists fear US’ anti-ICC bill may impede probe into Duterte’s drug war

The bill slams the ICC’s ‘illegitimate’ charges against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes related to the Israel-Gaza war

Reading Time:4 minutes

Relatives of drug war victims calling for justice against then President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila in 2021. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:00pm, 8 Jan 2025

A US bill aimed at shielding American and allied leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from probes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has drawn rebukes from Filipino rights activists, who argue it risks denying justice to victims of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody drug war.

Opponents of the bill warn it could stifle the ICC’s probe into Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity by deterring legal cooperation, restricting resources for investigators, and emboldening efforts in the Philippines to dismiss the court’s authority.

The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which was introduced by Republican lawmakers but has gained bipartisan support, threatens sanctions against any individual cooperating with ICC investigations into American citizens or officials from US allies, including Israel, Nato members and the Philippines.

One of its stated aims is to punish what it describes as the ICC’s “illegitimate and baseless” charges against Netanyahu for war crimes related to the Israel-Gaza war.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast said in May, when the bill was first introduced, that the legislation “sends a clear message to the International Criminal Court”.

“We may not recognise you, but you sure as hell will recognise what happens when you target America or its allies,” Mast said. “The ICC’s attempt to obstruct Israel’s right to defend itself has only prolonged the war and prevented the release of American hostages by boosting Hamas’ morale.”