PH Affirms Support for the International Court of Justice

Philippine Mission in New York Legal Adviser and Minister Maria Angela A. Ponce delivers a statement affirming support for the International Court of Justice on 25 October 2018. (Manuel Elias/ UN photo)

NEW YORK 08 November 2018 – “The UN Charter, together with the Statute, jurisprudence and experience of the Court, was meant to give all states, including small nations, an equal chance for justice. The Philippines therefore affirms its full support for the Court.”

This was the message delivered by the Philippines before the General Assembly debate on the International Court of Justice, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. 

Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York Minister and Legal Adviser Maria Angela Ponce underscored the Court’s essential role in fulfilling the duty of the United Nations to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, the adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace.

She noted that the Court’s increasing workload, the wider range of subject matter of cases and the geographical diversity of cases brought before it shows states’ trust and confidence in the Court’s role in the peaceful settlement of disputes and the promotion of the rule of law.  She stressed that the determination of the Court not to be swayed by political pressure or to politicize case is undeniably a factor in the Court’s trustworthiness.

The Philippines has recognized the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction since 1972, and it has called on other countries to do so. END

For more information, visit www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph/ www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/