MANILA, Philippines – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sought to appear unfazed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) preliminary examination into his drug war, saying it will not stop the controversial campaign.
"The war or the drive against drugs will not stop and it will last until the day I step out. If I go to prison, I go to prison," said Duterte on Monday, February 12.
He was speaking at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City.
Duterte said the ICC could not declare him guilty of a crime since merely threatening criminals with death is not a crime.
"Is there a crime threatening people, especially criminals?" asked Duterte. (READ: Duterte to ICC: 'If you find me guilty, go ahead')
The Philippine President earlier threatened to withdraw from the ICC. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the ICC preliminary examination is a "waste of time" as the Philippines' justice system is fully functioning, thus the international court, as a "court of last resort," has no jurisdiction over the drug war.
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