Malacañang on Friday, October 12, reiterated that the country has a robust judicial system to make the country’s leaders accountable for their actions.
Newly-designated Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo asserted that the Philippine judicial system does not need the guidance of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute cases because past events showed that the country thrived even without the ICC.
The Palace official cited historical events to prove this claim such as the conviction of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and the filing of charges against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“What’s the proof? We jailed former President Erap [Estrada]… We also detained former President Gloria [Macapagal] Arroyo, but she was finally acquitted,” Panelo said.
Panelo further said that under the Rome Statute, the ICC can only intervene when a certain country is unwilling or unable to prosecute heinous crimes, which is not the case as of current.
“In other words, we don’t even need an ICC because we have shown, demonstrated to the world that we can do without them,” he said, even citing the 1986 revolution which toppled the dictatorship of then President Ferdinand Marcos.
‘President Duterte appoints Panelo as his new spokesman — Palace’
In the same press briefing, the Palace official relayed his designation as the new Presidential Spokesperson effective immediately.
Addressing the members of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC), Panelo said his appearance to the MPC is not more of a news briefing, but a courtesy appearance as a sign of respect and friendship with them.
He then read a memorandum signed on October 11 which effectively assigns him as the new spokesperson.
“[I]n compliance with the instructions of the President and to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of public service, you are hereby designated Presidential Spokesperson effective immediately,” Panelo said. (PCO-Content)
