16/03/2025
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, upon his return to Manila from Hong Kong, based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to his "war on drugs" campaign. He was subsequently extradited to The Hague, Netherlands, where he appeared via video link before the ICC on March 14, 2025, for a hearing to determine if the prosecution's evidence is sufficient for a trial, which could lead to a life sentence if convicted. The pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte is a highly controversial issue, and opinions are deeply divided.
Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2019, arguing that it had no jurisdiction over him. His supporters claim that since the Philippines is no longer a member, the ICC has no authority to prosecute him. They see his arrest as a violation of national sovereignty.
Duterte remained widely popular in the Philippines, even after leaving office. Many Filipinos believe that his war on drugs was necessary to restore law and order. Arresting him could be seen as ignoring the will of the people who supported his policies.
Critics argue that the arrest is politically motivated, possibly pushed by Duterte’s political opponents. It could deepen political divisions and even destabilize the country, leading to unrest among his supporters.
Some believe Duterte should be tried by Philippine courts, not an international tribunal. They argue that if he committed crimes, it should be the responsibility of the Philippine justice system, not a foreign court, to hold him accountable.
Supporters say the war on drugs was necessary because the Philippines was suffering from widespread crime and drug-related violence. They argue that while some abuses may have occurred, Duterte’s actions were in the interest of national security.
