DOJ prepares legal brief on PBBM’s options for ICC warrants

Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano. (File Photo: Philippine News Agency/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday announced they will provide President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with a legal brief on his options if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant against Filipino nationals.

“The Department is now preparing a legal briefer for the President, which will describe to him yung mga options na available sa kanya (the options available to him) in relation to any arrest warrants by the ICC. So, the briefer would be an objective statement or an analysis of the pros and cons of each option,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a press briefing.

“Once the ICC warrants of arrest, if ever, are issued, then he will know kung ano yung mga legalities, yung mga options niya, and yung mga remedies din ni president (what are the legalities, options, and remedies available to the president).”

Clavano said among the matters that will be forwarded to Marcos are the possible pros and cons of rejoining the Rome Statute.

He pointed out that the discussions and legal analysis are only “for the eyes of the President” until he chooses a direction or decision on the matter.

Clavano added that the government is yet to receive a formal communication, much less a warrant, from the ICC for the arrest of persons in the country.