Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he might follow Russia’s example and withdraw from the International Criminal Court, where his critics say he could be charged over the thousands killed in his war on drugs.
Mr Duterte called the Court “useless” and railed against the United States and other Western nations, which have accused him of illegal killings as part of his agressive crackdown on drugs.
“They are useless, those in the International Criminal [Court]. They [Russia] withdrew. I might follow,” he said.
The President, known for his frank statements, speculated that Russia’s ICC move might be because of its air strikes in Syria.
“What could be the reason? I really would not know,” he said. “Maybe to protect what they are doing in Syria, the incessant bombing and the killing of civilians.”
In a statement before flying to Peru to attend the annual summit of Asia-Pacific leaders, Duterte also said “You know, if China and Russia would decide to create a new order, I would be the first to join,” he said, adding that he would quit the U.N.
Duterte also criticized the global agreement to fight climate change, saying there are no penalties for violators and it is not clear which industrialized countries will contribute money to support developing countries’ efforts against global warming. He said that was the reason why President-elect Donald Trump does not want the U.S. to spend on fighting climate change.
Mr Duterte is seeking a meeting with Mr Putin in Lima this weekend, which comes as he pursues an independent foreign policy aimed at weaning the Philippines off dependence on longtime ally the United States.
The Philippines became a member of the ICC in 2011, but last month the Court’s chief prosecutor expressed alarm over Mr Duterte’s war on drugs and the more than 2,400 people killed.
Mr Duterte said he was annoyed about the criticism he had received and that “nobody was listening” to his reasons for having the crackdown, including US President Barack Obama.
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