President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday warned that the Philippines might also withdraw its membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and follow Russia.

“I might follow [Russia]. Why? Tayo lang maliliit ang binubugbog ng mga walang hiya,” Duterte said in his departure speech for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) in Peru.

On Thursday, Russia said it was formally withdrawing its signature from the ICC.

Duterte also said he was willing to join Russia and China if they decide to create a “new world order.”

“If Russia and China decide to create a new world order, I will be the first to join,” he said.

“Alis ako diyan sa… there used to be a League of Nations before. It was in Hague something. Itong predecessor ng United Nations, it used to be called League of Nations. Nothing happened. There is still war. United Nations, walang nagawa,” he added.

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensoud earlier said her office would start monitoring the Philippines amid concerns over summary executions in Duterte’s bloody crackdown on illegal drugs, adding that the government “seems to condone such killings.”

Duterte has repeatedly said that he was willing to rot in jail for Filipinos amid his brutal crackdown on illegal drugs.

(Inquirer)