Senate OKs on 2nd reading reso on Rome Statute ratification

The Senate on Tuesday evening approved on second reading the resolution concurring with the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Senate made the approval after Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago appealed to the chamber to approve Senate Resolution No. 546, which seeks to concur with the ratification of the Rome Statute. The statute was signed by President Benigno Aquino III last February 28. Only Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Joker Arroyo registered negative votes. The Rome Statute provides for the establishment of the ICC. Under the treaty, the ICC can step in when countries are unwilling or unable to dispense justice themselves for genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. Article 7, section 21 of the Philippine Constitution states that no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all members of the Senate. — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News