Rodrigo Duterte, the former Philippine president, has been arrested following an ICC warrant. His alliance with the Marcos family has unraveled, leading to tensions and political maneuvering. Duterte faces an investigation into extrajudicial killings from his anti-drug campaigns while the ICC navigates its challenges in enforcing international law amidst domestic rivalries.
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has recently found himself in custody as he approaches his 80th birthday. This development follows his attendance at an event in Hong Kong, where he sought support for his candidates in the upcoming mid-term elections among the sizeable Filipino diaspora. Upon his arrival in Manila, Philippine police immediately executed an existing warrant for his arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte was taken to an air force base within the airport, appearing frail and using a cane. A chartered flight was arranged to transport him to The Hague. This turn of events raises questions about how such a powerful figure, once termed the “Trump of Asia,” has fallen from grace. His family and legal representatives claim that the arrest lacks legal foundation and that his health is being neglected in custody.
During his presidency, Duterte formed a strategic alliance with the Marcos family, particularly with the popular mayor of Davao City, his daughter Sara. Unable to seek re-election in 2022, Duterte supported Sara and entrusted her with continuing their political legacy. However, Bongbong Marcos, son of the former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, also actively pursued the presidency. The two families agreed to collaborate, leading to Bongbong’s successful presidency and Sara’s vice-presidency.
Despite his initial efforts to shield himself from accountability for alleged crimes during his anti-drug campaigns, an ICC investigation continued into his actions that resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. Though Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the jurisdiction of the ICC in 2019, prosecutors insisted on their authority to investigate crimes against humanity committed during his tenure. President Marcos’s initial reluctance to cooperate with the ICC shifted following tensions between him and the Duterte faction, highlighting the fragility of their political alliance.
The conflict escalated dramatically when Sara Duterte allegedly threatened President Marcos’s life. The tension culminated in legislative moves against her, prompting calls for her impeachment, which poses a significant threat to her political aspirations and the Duterte family’s influence. Meanwhile, President Marcos has navigated this rivalry strategically and continues to manage the repercussions of Duterte’s prosecution, knowing that public support remains divided.
Sovereignty issues have emerged, as Sara Duterte accused the government of yielding to foreign influence in her father’s extradition. With mid-term elections approaching, both families will be tested by their political strength. President Marcos, while affirming commitments to extradition, has refrained from directly discussing the ICC’s involvement, aware that many Filipinos view the ICC’s authority with skepticism.
The ICC itself faces challenges, as the institution is at risk with declining international support. The complexities of this case, rooted in domestic political conflict, illustrate the precarious balance of power and accountability in the Philippines, especially against the backdrop of international scrutiny and rivalries.
In conclusion, the custody of Rodrigo Duterte illustrates the intersection of political alliances, domestic conflict, and international law enforcement. His arrest hinges on unresolved tensions with the Marcos family and the ICC’s pursuit of accountability for alleged human rights violations. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities within Philippine politics, the challenges faced by the ICC in enforcing its mandates, and impending tests of public support during the approaching mid-term elections.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
