Windows26: Weekend Roundup: PH’s possible ICC return, West PH Sea’s continuing tensions, things to do in El Nido

Weekend Roundup
November 25, 2023

Hi, reader! Welcome to another #WeekendRoundup, where we gather everything you need to read for a quick catch-up.

At a glance:

Major stories: This week's biggest stories include the country's possible ICC return, the West Philippines Sea's ongoing tensions, and the impeachment rumors against VP Sara Duterte.
Check this out: Things to do in El Nido, Palawan; and a must-attend cultural event in Escolta, Manila.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during an arrival ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The President arrived on Monday, November 20, 2023, from his weeklong trip from the United States. INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo

PH returning to ICC?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday that the government is considering resuming its membership to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In an interview, Marcos was asked for a reaction in the House of Representatives discussing the possibility of allowing ICC investigators to investigate the war on drugs under the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

"There is also a question, should we return under the fold of the ICC, so that's again under study. So we'll just keep looking at it and see what our options are," he said.

For context, two House committees met on Wednesday to deliberate resolutions that were filed separately by five lawmakers, urging the government to cooperate with the ICC's investigation of the bloody war on illegal drugs during the Duterte regime.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday said that allowing the ICC to investigate and any alleged crime in the Philippines is unconstitutional.

Impeachment rumors against VP

After the possibility of filing impeachment complaints against VP Duterte floated in the House of Representatives, President Marcos categorically said he doesn't want her impeached.

ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro was the first to raise the issue of Duterte's impeachment, saying there were "informal discussions" about the vice president's possible removal from office among her colleagues.

On the other hand, Senator Imee Marcos said that her family and the Dutertes are on good terms as she blasted political troublemakers amid talks of impeachment against the vice president.

To learn more about the emerging cracks in 'UniTeam,' read Kurt dela Peña's INQFocus story here.

West PH Sea must-reads

To stay in the loop with the ongoing West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute, here are the updates you must read for this week.

China's reclamation activities "have come closer and closer to the Philippine coastline," according to President Marcos.

As a show of force in the area gripped by maritime disputes, the Philippines and United States began joint patrols in the WPS on Tuesday.

An American surveillance aircraft joined the said joint patrols on Wednesday, making its presence felt in the region gripped by escalating maritime tensions. Meanwhile, a Chinese aircraft and warship also showed up, as witnessed by Inquirer and a few other Filipino journalists.

Referring to the three-day joint patrols this week, China has accused the Philippines of enlisting "foreign forces" to patrol the South China Sea to stir up trouble.

'Hola, Escolta!"

A community-centric event is taking place today, Nov. 25—just in time for the 95th anniversary of the First United Building. 'Hola, Escolta!' aims to rekindle and further the flourishing of Escolta.

A reintroduction of sorts and a celebration of downtown Manila's sights, sounds, history, and community, 'Hola, Escolta!' is a unique convergence of people proud of their past and collectively shaping our future through design and creativity.

#InterestingFact: Did you know that before Makati, Escolta was the premier commercial district of Manila? It owes its proximity to the Pasig River, a vital passage for the transport of goods and merchants.

El, Nido!

If you're seeking memorable moments to cherish with friends or family—here are 10 must-try activities you can do when you visit El Nido, Palawan.

Home to possibly the oldest rock formations and fossils in the Philippines, along with an abundant variety of marine life across its 45 islands—there's much to be seen in El Nido, Palawan.

#InterestingFact: Through Republic Act 1140, the municipality (which was once named Bacuit) was named as such after nests of swiftlets were found in the area. El Nido translates to "The Nest" in Spanish.

Thanks for reading this far! For suggestions and other feedback, you can reach me at newsletter@inquirer.net.

Samuel J. Yap

Content Producer, Digital Content Distribution