Political Views

WHO IS FPRRD AND WHAT DID HE DO?

A former prosecutor, congressman and mayor, Duterte built his no-holds-barred reputation in the southern Philippine city of Davao. He swept to the presidency in 2016 on a populist – and popular – promise to replicate the hardline tactics of his hometown and wage war against drugs and drug pushers across the Southeast Asian nation. “All of you who are into drugs, you sons of b**ches, I will really kill you,” he told a huge crowd in one of his many characteristically profane-laced 2016 campaign speeches. “I have no patience, I have no middle ground. Either you kill me or I will kill you idiots.”

Once in power he unleashed what rights groups called “death squads” to eradicate drug pushers – many of the victims young men from impoverished shanty towns, shot by police and rogue gunmen as part of a campaign to target dealers. Police data said 6,000 people were killed. Some rights groups say the death toll could be as high as 30,000 with innocents and bystanders often caught in the crossfire. Duterte’s blood-soaked presidency ended in 2022. Three years later, only 8 policemen had been convicted for 5 of the victims killed in the war on drugs, according to court documents.

SOURCE: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/12/asia/philippines-duterte-icc-arrest-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html

The arrest of the former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte provides a crucial step on the justice of innocents from the brutal war on drugs. His cold-hearted anti-drug campaign led to the deaths of thousands, mostly young men. Leaving the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2019 trying to shield himself from accountability, the ICC keeps jurisdiction over crimes committed during the membership. The ICC saw through his crimes and condemned these killings, proving that no leader is above the law. For the families of the victims, this moment represents a recognition of their years-long struggle for justice.

Holding the former president accountable for his crimes is a step in restoring the credibility of the Philippine justice system. His arrest is justice for his violation against human rights back in his presidency. Though he has many supporters mostly from Davao city, the legal process must continue. This could lead to future leaders of the country to not resort to violence when there is a problem. For the lives of people should be a priority, and violence isn't always the solution for peace.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/11/asia/rodrigo-duterte-philippine-arrest-icc-hague-plane-intl/index.html

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked outrage among his supporters, who are demanding his release. Thousands have flooded the ICC’s Facebook page, claiming it's unfair. To them, Duterte’s war on drugs wasn’t cruel, it was a fight to protect the country. If justice is truly the goal, it should be the Filipino people, not an international court, who decide his fate. Because letting a foreign countries court decide the fate of our former leader can reflect to our government and how horribly the situation is being handled. If justice will be given, it should be by his own people.

Former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte remains defensive, saying everything he did was for the country, but he’s ready to face the consequences. Although, his arrest raises a bigger question. Shouldn’t the Philippines be handling its own justice system? Is our justice system even capable of dealing with a situation like this? Despite the countless protests and angered Filipinos, ICC stands soundless. The Philippines have the right to stand and handle this issue. If a foreign court can take away a former president so easily, what does that say about our sovereignty?

Sources:

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/15/2428485/people-are-free-protest-duterte-arrest-palace

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/petition-calls-on-icc-to-release-duterte-gains-470k-signatures

Duterte’s Current Status

For recap, former PDDR was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for charges against humanity, primarily related to the killings from his “war on drugs”, and is currently being held at The Hague in the Netherlands. The arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and sent to Interpol.

His latest appearance was before judges at the ICC, participating through a videoconference from a detention center where he is currently being held. His lawyer, Salvador Medialdea, claimed that his arrest was an act of extrajudicial rendition and that it was politically motivated.

A pretrial hearing is scheduled for the 23rd of September. If the case proceeds to a full trial, and he is found guilty, former President Rodrigo Duterte will then face a sentence of life imprisonment.

Sources:

https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/03/12/philippines-duterte-arrested-icc-warrant

https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/14/philippine-ex-president-duterte-appears-at-international-criminal-court-via-video-link

Source: https://www.almendron.com/tribuna/how-to-get-ahead-in-politics-in-the-philippines/

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