The International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated pre-trial hearings for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial anti-drug operations. The hearings, which began recently in The Hague, mark a significant step in a long-running process surrounding allegations of state-sanctioned killings during Duterte’s presidency.
Duterte, now 80 years old, opted not to attend the hearings, having waived his right to appear. Prosecutors commenced their presentation of evidence, detailing Duterte’s purported involvement in numerous killings associated with his so-called war on drugs, a campaign that has drawn widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
Charges and Context
The charges against Duterte stem from his time as mayor of Davao City and his subsequent tenure as president. The allegations include the involvement in the deaths of thousands, with varying estimates of the death toll. The Philippine National Police has reported over 6,000 deaths, while human rights organizations claim the number could be as high as 30,000.
In January 2023, ICC judges determined that Duterte was fit to stand trial after previously postponing hearings due to health concerns. Although these proceedings are not a trial, they provide a platform for prosecutors to outline their case. The judges will have 60 days to decide on the confirmation of charges following the evidence presentation.
Reactions and Political Landscape
The hearings have elicited strong reactions from various stakeholders. Rights groups and families of victims celebrated Duterte’s arrest in March as a vital step toward justice. Llore Pasco, who lost both of her sons in 2017, expressed her relief, stating, “We have waited for this for so long, for years we have waited, but we did not relent.” Her sons disappeared after leaving for work, with their bodies later discovered with multiple gunshot wounds.
Conversely, supporters of Duterte have criticized the administration of current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is seen as Duterte’s political rival, for facilitating the former leader’s surrender to the ICC, a court whose jurisdiction they dispute. Notably, Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter and the current vice president, has voiced opposition to the ICC’s authority and recently announced her intention to run for the presidency in the 2028 elections.
The ICC’s interest in Duterte’s actions began in February 2018, when prosecutors announced a preliminary investigation into the violent drug crackdowns. Shortly thereafter, Duterte declared that the Philippines would withdraw from the ICC, a move that human rights activists argue was an attempt to evade accountability. The court subsequently rejected a request from Duterte’s legal team to dismiss the case based on the withdrawal, with an appeal on this matter still pending.
As the hearings progress, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many advocating for justice for the victims of Duterte’s policies. The outcome of these proceedings could have significant implications not only for Duterte but also for the broader landscape of human rights in the Philippines.
