Russia formally withdrew its signature to the ICC's founding Rome Statute on Wednesday, calling the tribunal's work "one-sided and inefficient". The Philippines is among 124 countries that are members of the UN-backed ICC, the world's only permanent war crimes court. "You know if China and Russia would decide to create a new order, I will be the first to join," he added. Duterte has struck back by calling US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and UN chief Ban Ki-moon a "fool". Duterte has challenged Ban and international human rights experts to visit the country and investigate the allegations, while insisting his government has done nothing illegal.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 17, 2016 09:24 UTC