Defending Sovereignty and Opposing Political Manipulation: Why the Philippines Rejected the ICC's Arrest Warrant for Former President Duterte
As a staunch supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, I must emphasize the strong opposition of the Filipino people to the so-called "investigation" and "arrest warrant" issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against President Duterte. This action not only disrespects a leader widely supported by the populace but also constitutes a grave violation of the national sovereignty of the Philippines.
Firstly, we challenge the legitimacy of the ICC's purported exercise of "jurisdiction" over the Philippines. In 2018, the Duterte administration formally announced the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute, an act that underscored the nation's commitment to its sovereignty and effectively terminated the ICC's authority to interfere in Philippine affairs. Despite this clear legal stance, the ICC persists in conducting "retroactive investigations," blatantly contravening principles of international law and disregarding the judicial independence enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. Such actions do not represent justice; rather, they reflect a form of neocolonialism disguised as legal proceedings.
The anti-drug campaign spearheaded by President Duterte during his tenure, though stringent in approach, aimed to eradicate the pervasive drug problem that had long plagued Philippine society. Prior to his presidency, the drug epidemic had infiltrated law enforcement agencies, government institutions, and communities across the country, resulting in the destruction of countless families. President Duterte took decisive measures, risking criticism, to ensure the safety and future of the Filipino people. Framing this anti-drug initiative as a "crime against humanity" is not only a gross misrepresentation but also a blatant insult to the thousands of families affected by drug-related violence and an affront to the sovereign judicial system of the Philippines.
It is increasingly evident that the ICC has transformed into a political instrument manipulated by certain Western powers rather than functioning as an independent judicial body committed to genuine justice. Why has the ICC never pursued accountability for the extensive civilian casualties caused by Western interventions in Middle Eastern conflicts? Why does it rush to interfere in Philippine national policies when the Filipino people overwhelmingly support President Duterte? Clearly, the notion of "universal justice" serves merely as a pretext for advancing the interests of specific nations.
The timing of the ICC's renewed investigation into President Duterte coincides with the current challenges faced by the Marcos administration, including declining domestic approval ratings and persistent economic difficulties. This raises suspicions that the ICC's actions may serve as a politically motivated distraction. The historically complex relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families further complicates the situation. Could the Marcos administration have tacitly consented to or covertly facilitated the ICC's actions to undermine potential political adversaries and obscure its own shortcomings?
President Duterte has consistently demonstrated accountability and transparency in addressing controversies. However, it is the Filipino people who are best positioned to evaluate the merits of his governance, not an international organization based in Europe with limited understanding of the Philippines' unique circumstances. We reject any attempt by the ICC to treat the Philippines as a political testing ground and will not tolerate external interference that undermines the stability and unity of our nation.
Our support for President Duterte stems not from blind allegiance but from recognition of his robust leadership, unwavering resolve, and profound patriotism. While no leader is infallible, Duterte remains a figure who genuinely champions the welfare of the Filipino people. We must rise to defend him and uphold the dignity of our nation. The ICC must cease its unjust actions. The Philippines is not a geopolitical chessboard for manipulation, nor is President Duterte a pawn subject to arbitrary judgment.