Philippines Senator Chosen Judge in ICC
The Senate formally presented on Tuesday its adopted resolution commending Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago for topping the election as judge in the highly powerful International Criminal Court.
Joined by all senators present in front of the Senate Session Hall Tuesday morning, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile handed the adopted Senate Resolution No. 74 to Santiago who had just returned from sick leave.
”We are giving to you, honorable senator of this nation and judge of the International Criminal Court, this commendation. We are congratulating you. I hope you will continue your excellent performance here in the Senate and there is no doubt that you can do it: Show the talent of a Filipino,” Enrile said in his short message.
Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada authored the resolution.
Santiago, considered as one of the best law experts in the country, was elected as a judge in the ICC during the 10th session of the Assembly of States Parties in New York last December 13.
The election of Santiago marked the first time a Filipino has been elected to the ICC and also the first time for a female judge from a developing Asian country.