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In one of the most dramatic turns in recent Philippine history, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Just returning from a trip to Hong Kong, Duterte was swiftly taken into custody under a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which accuses him of crimes against humanity—including murder, torture, and rape—linked to his bloody war on drugs.
By March 12, he was on a plane to The Hague, Netherlands, now officially in ICC custody and awaiting trial.
A Mayor Behind Bars?
Despite sitting in detention, Duterte hasn’t stepped away from politics. In fact, he was on the ballot for mayor of Davao City during the May 12 midterm elections—a role he’s no stranger to, having led the city for over 20 years. While his incarceration means he can’t assume office even if elected, the move is symbolic: Duterte’s grip on his political base, especially in Mindanao, remains firm.
The Legal Battle Ahead
The ICC has set a confirmation of charges hearing for September 23, 2025. Duterte’s legal team, headed by international lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, is gearing up to contest the court’s jurisdiction. Their main argument? The Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, meaning the ICC shouldn't have authority over Duterte.
At the same time, his team is exploring options for interim release, though so far, no clear timeline has been given.
Duterte vs. Marcos: The Political Fallout
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Philippine political landscape, straining the already tense relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families. Vice President Sara Duterte—Rodrigo’s daughter—is now in hot water herself, facing an impeachment trial in the Senate on corruption and conspiracy charges.
She hasn’t minced words, accusing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of betrayal for not blocking her father's extradition. The political tug-of-war is heating up, and the lines are being drawn more sharply than ever.
A Divided Nation Reacts
Public response to Duterte’s arrest has been deeply divided. Human rights advocates and families of drug war victims have welcomed the move as long-overdue justice. But Duterte loyalists, especially from Mindanao and the Visayas, see it differently. Many have taken to the streets, calling the arrest a politically motivated attack on a leader they still revere.
What’s Next?
As the ICC proceedings unfold and political drama continues at home, one thing is certain: the next few months will be critical—not just for Duterte, but for the entire Philippine justice system. The case has the potential to redefine the country's stance on accountability, governance, and the limits of presidential power.
Whether it ends in conviction or acquittal, this moment marks a pivotal chapter in the Philippines’ political story.
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