P-Noy to seek Japan's help on Miriam's ICC bid

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino is expected to seek Japan’s help for the candidacy of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to become a judge in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The President will be in Japan for an official working visit starting Sunday and will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Emperor Akihito, who will be hosting a court luncheon in honor of Aquino.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro disclosed this in a press briefing on the President’s visit in Malacañang yesterday.

“We are seeking Japan’s support for the candidacy of Senator Santiago... Everyone’s support for our candidature is always significant,” Lazaro said. Japan is one of the country-members of the ICC.

Lazaro said the President’s visit is meant to express solidarity with Japan, hit by tragedies recently, and further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The President will also have business meetings and visit the Filipino community in Tokyo as well as Miyagi, one of the prefectures in northeastern Japan severely affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Santiago last Monday sought authority from the Senate leadership to travel to The Hague, Netherlands to pursue her campaign to become a judge in the ICC. She said there was a need for her to go abroad from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2 after the President nominated her for ICC judge.