The arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sent shockwaves through the Philippines and beyond, marking a critical moment in the fight against impunity and injustice. On March 11, 2025, Duterte was apprehended at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport and subsequently flown to The Hague, where he faces charges of committing crimes against humanity during his notorious war on drugs.
Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, a prominent journalist and co-founder of the investigative news site Rappler, hailed the arrest as a "victory for justice." She stated, "There’s a sense that impunity ends and that the idea of an international, rules-based order can perhaps still exist." Ressa’s remarks were made during a recent event in Berlin, where she drew parallels between the challenges faced by democracy in the Philippines and those emerging in the West, particularly the United States.
"In 2016, when the drug war began, I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is going to affect a generation of Filipinos,’" Ressa expressed, highlighting the long-lasting trauma caused by Duterte's policies, which led to approximately 30,000 deaths, primarily affecting poorer Filipinos. Her concerns resonate amid growing socio-political issues as the Philippines approaches elections.
The context surrounding Duterte’s presidency cannot be overlooked. Elected in 2016, he employed social media to disseminate his message and mobilize support, a tactic that has since influenced democratic processes globally. "I joke all the time that the Philippines went from hell to purgatory," Ressa noted, stressing that the current political climate in the U.S. mirrors the dangers she observed during Duterte's rise.
Notably, the circumstances leading up to Duterte’s arrest have been marred by political rivalries within the Philippines. Following his departure from office, Duterte remained a powerful figure within national politics. However, his acrimony with the incumbent president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. escalated tensions between their respective political dynasties. Just weeks prior to his arrest, Duterte publicly berated Marcos Jr., calling him a "drug addict" and a "son of a whore," a provocation that underscored Duterte's deteriorating relationship with the ruling administration and set the stage for his eventual prosecution.
The arrest procedure was described as meticulously conducted in accordance with international law, a stark contrast to the indiscriminate violence during Duterte’s administration. President Marcos Jr., addressing the complexities surrounding Duterte's extradition, claimed that the government was fulfilling its responsibilities as a member of the international community. Nonetheless, many citizens viewed this action as politically motivated, aimed at neutralizing a significant threat to Marcos Jr.’s power.
The political implications of Duterte's arrest are profound. Analysts suggest that discontent among voters, primarily around budget cuts to essential services like education, health, and agriculture, threatens the prospects of candidates backed by Marcos in the upcoming midterms. A February 2025 poll revealed that nearly three in five Filipinos believe cuts to education contravene the country’s constitutional commitment to prioritize education, indicating widespread public concern about governance.
Furthermore, Ressa stressed the importance of not remaining silent in the face of oppression. "If you are silent, you give consent. If you are silent, you give up your rights," she cautioned, urging the public to take a stand for truth and justice. The ongoing struggle against disinformation and authoritarianism, particularly in the era of social media, serves as a grim reminder for many of the potential erosion of democratic rights.
The ICC's proceedings against Duterte are laden with expectations. Rights advocates hope that this monumental step toward accountability may inspire similar actions against other global leaders accused of egregious human rights violations. The international community has cautiously welcomed this development, viewing it as a critical test for the ICC's effectiveness and legitimacy.
Yet, it remains to be seen how this will affect Duterte’s staunch supporters. Political analyst Wataru Kusaka cautioned that the former president risks becoming a martyr figure, hence galvanizing his followers even further. The legacy of Duterte's presidency, marked by violence and divisiveness, will not fade easily but could evolve into a rallying cry for his base as they perceive him as a bulwark against perceived threats from the current administration.
While many welcome the turn towards justice, skepticism lingers about the broader implications of Duterte’s trial and the ongoing manipulation of social media as a tool of power. The world watches as the Philippines navigates a tumultuous political landscape that intertwines issues of justice, accountability, and the ever-pressing need to uphold democratic norms.
As the month unfolds, discussions surrounding Duterte's legacy, his violent policies, and the societal damages inflicted will only grow in intensity. With the midterm elections approaching, the stakes are high; the implications of Duterte's trial could significantly shift the political fabric of the nation.
The call for accountability is echoed not just in the Philippines but across global platforms. As Maria Ressa aptly put it, this is a moment where the world must confront the sacrifices necessary for truth and justice. The future of the Philippines hinges on the country’s ability to reckon with its past as it aspires towards a more transparent and just society.
