The Philippine Senate, led by Sen. Imee Marcos, has launched a public inquiry into the controversial arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a significant moment in the nation’s political landscape. The inquiry, which began on March 20, 2025, aims to investigate whether all measures were taken to protect Duterte's rights under domestic laws and international treaties in light of the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon returning from Hong Kong, following a years-long investigation by the ICC into his anti-drug campaign, which has been linked to thousands of extrajudicial killings. "The committee on foreign relations convenes this hearing to clarify the roles and involvement of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Police Organization (Interpol), and relevant Philippine authorities in the arrest of former President Duterte," Marcos stated.
The ICC had been probing Duterte's actions since 2018, examining allegations of crimes against humanity connected to his aggressive approach toward drug trafficking, during which claims suggest between 12,000 and 30,000 individuals were killed. His time in office from 2016 to 2022 was marked by the declaration of a brutal war on drugs, with Duterte infamously remarking upon his inauguration, “These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, don’t go into that, even if you’re a policeman, because I will really kill you.”
During the Senate hearing, Marcos vehemently opposed the arrest, condemning it as politically motivated. "Justice rendered by a foreign country is not justice. It's slavery," she asserted, echoing sentiments shared by many of his supporters and family members following the high-profile arrest. Her brother, President Bongbong Marcos, took a contrasting position, asserting that the government acted in compliance with Interpol and did not cooperate with the ICC, stating, "We are not communicating with the ICC. They have requested many documents from us, but we did not provide anything. However, we cannot refuse Interpol when they ask for our help in apprehending this person."
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año also testified at the hearing, denying any involvement in what some refer to as a conspiracy regarding Duterte's arrest. He emphasized that the implementation of the ICC warrant was beyond his mandate, saying, "The events on March 11 were spontaneous." His statements come amid a backdrop of accusations from other lawmakers, including Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who expressed disappointment over Año's lack of communication with Duterte's team about the impending arrest.
Critics of the government maintain that Duterte’s arrest was a politically charged decision meant to undermine his legacy and the political aspirations of his family. Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter, insisted that the apprehension of her father constituted a "patently illegal arrest" aimed at dismantling political opponents. "This is all about politics," she claimed during the inquiry.
The backdrop of this legislative probe raises critical questions about the Philippines' obligations under international humanitarian law and the future of its relationship with the ICC, especially following Duterte's withdrawal from the court's founding treaty in 2019. As the first Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC, Duterte's case could set a precedent for future international legal actions against heads of state.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025, during which the strength of the evidence against Duterte will be assessed. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Meanwhile, emotions remain high within the Philippines, with many viewing this as a definitive moment for justice, especially for the families of the tens of thousands of victims of the drug campaign.
The implications of Duterte’s arrest extend beyond his personal fate; they touch upon the very fabric of the democratic processes and legal frameworks within the Philippines. The current administration finds itself walking a delicate tightrope, balancing between local political dynamics and international obligations.
As the Senate inquiry progresses, it poses crucial questions about the future of governance, human rights accountability, and how the Philippines interacts with international legal standards. The political ramifications for President Marcos and his administration in managing this complex narrative could be far-reaching, shaping the political landscape of the Philippines for years to come. The unfolding events echo a longstanding struggle between political power, human rights concerns, and justice, compelling many Filipinos to reconsider the legacy of Duterte's regime and its impact on their nation's path forward.
