Rodrigo Duterte: A Legacy of Controversy and the Path to International Justice

Introduction

Rodrigo Duterte, the former President of the Philippines, has long been a polarizing figure, leaving behind a legacy marked by both fierce loyalty at home and intense international condemnation. His exemption from the deadly anti-drug campaign he championed during his presidency has led to significant human rights concerns and, more recently, an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest. This summary delves into Duterte’s rise to power, his controversial policies, the ICC case against him, and the implications of his arrest for both the Philippines and the global community.

The Turbulent Presidency: Duterte’s Rise to Power and the War on Drugs

Duterte’s political career began in the southern city of Davao, where he earned a reputation for his tough-on-crime approach. As mayor, he was linked to extrajudicial killings, with estimates of 1,000 to 10,000 deaths attributed to police and civilian hit squads under his watch. This brutal strategy against criminality became the cornerstone of his 2016 presidential campaign, during which he vowed to eradicate illegal drugs and corruption within six months. His candidacy resonated with many Filipinos weary of crime and corruption, and he won the presidency in a landslide victory.

Once in office, Duterte escalated his anti-drug campaign nationwide, resulting in the deaths of thousands of suspected drug users and dealers. Many of these killings occurred during police operations or at the hands of unidentified gunmen, sparking widespread criticism from human rights groups and international leaders. Duterte remained unapologetic, justifying the violence as necessary to protect society and even threatening to kill drug suspects himself. His rhetoric, laced with profanity and promises of retribution, earned him nicknames like “the Punisher” and “Duterte Harry,” after the lawless Western movie character.

The International Criminal Court Case: Crimes Against Humanity

The thousands of deaths linked to Duterte’s war on drugs caught the attention of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which launched an investigation into possible crimes against humanity. The probe examined killings that occurred between November 1, 2011, when Duterte was still mayor of Davao, and March 16, 2019. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2019—an attempt to avoid accountability—the court ruled in 2023 that it could resume its investigation, asserting jurisdiction over cases where national authorities are unable or unwilling to act.

Duterte’s arrest came as part of this investigation, following a warrant issued by the ICC. The former president, now 79 and in poor health, was taken into custody upon returning from a trip to Hong Kong, where he had addressed a large gathering of Filipino expatriates. The arrest marked a turning point in the long-standing international efforts to hold Duterte accountable for the deadly campaign he oversaw.

A Tale of Two Narratives: Why Duterte was Loved at Home but Loathed Abroad

Duterte’s popularity in the Philippines stems from his image as a no-nonsense leader who speaks to the frustrations of ordinary citizens. A self-proclaimed populist, he Positions himself as a defender of the poor and a scourge of the elites and corrupt institutions. His anti-drug campaign, while brutal, was seen by many Filipinos as a necessary step to restore order and safety in communities plagued by crime.

However, Duterte’s methods and rhetoric drew sharp condemnation internationally. The extrajudicial killings, coupled with his open defiance of human rights standards, led to criticism from Western governments, the United Nations, and human rights organizations. Duterte, in turn, lashed out at his foreign critics, famously telling then-U.S. President Barack Obama to “go to hell” in 2016. His anti-Western stance and alignment with China further alienated him from the international community, polarizing his image on the global stage.

The Clash with the West and Duterte’s Defiance

Duterte’s presidency was marked by a fraught relationship with Western powers, particularly the United States and the European Union. The anti-drug campaign, with its mounting death toll, became a flashpoint for diplomacy, with foreign leaders and institutions calling for accountability. Duterte, however, remained defiant, framing criticism of his policies as interference in Philippine sovereignty.

In response to the ICC investigation, Duterte’s administration argued that the court lacked jurisdiction, citing its withdrawal from the Rome Statute. However, the court’s ruling in 2023 to proceed with the probe despite these objections highlighted the limits of Duterte’s efforts to evade accountability. The case against him has significant implications for the ICC’s role in addressing human rights abuses in Southeast Asia and beyond.

What’s Next: Duterte’s Arrest and the Road Ahead

Duterte’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the Philippines, sparking both celebration and concern. While human rights advocates welcomed the move as a step toward justice for the victims of the anti-drug campaign, Duterte’s loyalists have rallied to his defense, framing the arrest as an attack on Philippine sovereignty.

The broader implications of the case extend far beyond Duterte’s personal fate. The ICC’s ability to pursue the case despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute sets a precedent for accountability in cases where national governments are unwilling or unable to act. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of international justice mechanisms in addressing crimes against humanity.

Looking ahead, the Marcos administration, which succeeded Duterte in 2022, has indicated its willingness to cooperate with the ICC if requested. However, the political landscape remains volatile, with Duterte still wielding influence through his political party and family members, including his sons, who are active in local politics. As the legal process unfolds, one thing is clear: the legacy of Rodrigo Duterte will continue to shape the Philippines—and the global debate on justice and human rights—for years to come.

Conclusion

Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency was a stormy chapter in the Philippines’ history, marked by both passionate support at home and widespread condemnation abroad. His anti-drug campaign, while popular among many Filipinos, left a trail of death and human rights abuses that have now landed him in the crosshairs of the International Criminal Court. As the legal proceedings unfold, the world watches to see whether justice will be served for the thousands of lives lost and whether Duterte’s case will set a new standard for accountability in global human rights cases. For the Philippines, the road ahead will require confronting the complexities of Duterte’s legacy and charting a path toward a more just and equitable future.