MANILA – The Philippines was the latest country to join the International Criminal Court this past Tuesday upon depositing its instrument of ratification at UN Headquarters in New York.

The Philippines brings the total number of members to 117, following the ratification of the Statute by Tunisia this past June.

“I send my heartfelt congratulations to all those in the Philippines who worked hard to make this day possible, and I hope that this historic decision will serve to dispel unfounded concerns about joining the ICC among other Asian nations,” said ICC president Sang-Hyun Song.