MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang believes that the filing of a complaint by two former Philippine officials against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC) is more a political move. READ: Ex-DFA chief Del Rosario, Morales sue China’s Xi at ICCThe complainants accused Xi of crimes against humanity over China’s activities to gain control over most of the South China Sea. Panelo earlier called the complaint a “futile exercise,” insisting that the international tribunal cannot acquire jurisdiction over China for it is not a member of the ICC. READ: Palace on ICC complaint vs Xi: It may be a futile exerciseHe also accused Del Rosario of doing nothing when he was still the country’s top diplomat and when China was just starting their activities in the contested areas. Panelo, citing an unnamed source, said that Del Rosario opted not to act when “informed officially” of China’s activities the West Philippine Sea.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 25, 2019 05:48 UTC