BY JAHARAH SAAVEDRA
At 9 PM, Philippine time, on March 14, 2025, the country’s 16th President, Rodrigo Duterte, appeared before the International Criminal Court (ICC) via video link to face the charge of crimes against humanity for his infamous “war on drugs.” His arrest, which echoed a loud uproar among the public, reignited a crucial debate and divided Filipinos once again.
According to many, Duterte’s arrest and trial are long overdue. With the resurfaced number of 27,000 to 30,000 as estimated by organizations of the lives lost during the war on drugs campaign, many from human rights organizations and those who stood along, notably the families of the victims, demanded justice for the thousands who perished—killed without trial, without due process, and mercy.
Among the numbers were children, students, breadwinners, and those whose guilt was never proven but whose lives were taken nonetheless. It upholds that if the rule of law is what thrives, Duterte’s day in court is a glimpse of justice and a step toward accountability, not outrage.
But people supporting Duterte disagree. With their unwavering loyalty and respect, they view his arrest as politically motivated and implausible. Supporters were outraged and demanded that Duterte be brought back to the Philippines, believing he was being unfairly prosecuted. This reaction from his supporters proves Duterte’s lasting influence even after his term. His image as a protector, a strongman, and a leader who had to do what was “necessary” for the Philippines remains deeply ingrained in many. For these people, safety was felt during his presidency.
Faced with an international court, Duterte’s supporters claim the ICC has no jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines has its judicial system. However, the opposition argues that though the Philippines withdrew from the ICC on March 17, 2019, the investigation remains valid as it covers alleged crimes committed when the country was still a State Party. Hence, with Duterte’s initial appearance before the ICC, the pre-trial hearing on September 23, 2025, will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to a full trial.
Still, the question persists: Is Duterte innocent? The opposition claims his war on drugs failed to eliminate the drug problem in the country while violating the rights of Filipinos to due process and the presumption of innocence before guilt. Above that, his campaign was built on fear and the unchecked use of power.
This case has escalated into more than a legal proceeding; it is a test for the nation. Will Filipinos stand for justice for the thousands of lives lost, or will political loyalty overshadow the undeniable truth shown in numbers? This moment is not just about Duterte. This upholds the values we stand for as Filipinos. And perhaps, this is the war we must confront—a war against a deeply ingrained culture of impunity.
If we fail to hold the powerful accountable today, we pave the way for another leader to repeat history tomorrow. So, what shall it be? The choice is clear: we either stand for justice or allow ourselves to be ruled by political loyalty.
But let one truth remain unshaken: No one, not even a former president, is above the law. Whether guilty or innocent, justice and due process must prevail.
——————————————————————————–
Jaharah Saavedra is a third-year Political Science student at the University of Cebu-Main Campus. She is also passionate about writing, seeing it as a powerful weapon and using it as a tool to analyze social issues, express critical perspectives, and contribute to meaningful discussions.
