Why didn’t President Ferdinand (BongBong) Marcos Jr. intervene to prevent the arrest? Was it due to adherence to international human rights law, a fallout in the alliance with the Dutertes, or the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes committed prior to the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court?
Here’s my take: It seems unlikely that President Bongbong Marcos could have stopped the arrest, as discussions about it were already underway. During her vice presidency, Leni Robredo recurrently visited the US and spoke about this issue with American audiences. She was critical of Rodrigo Duterte rather than supportive. Additionally, Maria Ressa-the media tentacle of the Liberals- has consistently voiced her opposition to Duterte, even on international platforms like Al Jazeera. Antonio Trillanes, known for his frequent visits to The Hague, also played a role. These individuals were associated with the Liberal Party, which is often seen as representing the interests of the elite and wealthy in the Philippines.
The arrest of Duterte is not solely tied to President Bongbong Marcos. It reflects the subtle resistance of the wealthy elite, who oppose the scrutiny of drug use as a recreational activity amongst the affluent. Whilst the rich indulge in drugs for leisure, the poor rely on them to endure the demands of their daily labour, such as early mornings spent working in the streets or shipping yards. To supply drugs to the wealthy, drug lords and peddlers had to carry out their operations despite the risks. During President Duterte's Drug War, they faced the danger of raids and the possibility of being shot if they fired first in an attempt to escape. Was President Duterte, in the end, a gentleman who bore the responsibility for his police officers, who had to fire during drug raids to defend themselves? This led to casualties that the media swiftly highlighted to the world.
Shouldn't the decrease in crime and drug rates in the Philippines during Duterte's tenure be acknowledged? Consider the women and children who were spared from harm, and the safer streets and alleyways under his leadership. Think about the drug dependents who found recovery in the rehabilitation centres he established.
What about the nations that supply illegal drugs to the Philippines for their own economic gain? Shouldn't they also bear responsibility? A few years back, blocks of cocaine were found drifting in Philippine waters, likely as a tactic to evade surveillance whilst transferring the drugs from larger international vessels to smaller local boats.
The arrest of President Duterte by the ICC conveys a message to Filipinos that the masses lack the ability to govern and that the poor cannot effectively represent the voice of the people. This suggests that the elite party is positioning itself to dominate the upcoming elections in the Philippines. Whilst the case against Duterte appears to be concluded—despite no trial yet—we should continue to hope and pray for his safety and eventual return to the Philippines. The charges, including those tied to the Drug War and the highly questionable allegation of rape, are seen as an affront to the sovereignty of the Philippines. It is startling to witness how far political figures are willing to go to tarnish Duterte's reputation. It is notable that some prominent individuals held in ICC custody have died before their trials reached a conclusion, sometimes under circumstances that raised questions, such as claims of a heart attack. I sincerely hope this does not happen to Duterte—may such a fate be avoided.
Considering President Duterte's age, health challenges, and the financial strain of the trial, enduring the legal process seems daunting. Seeking asylum might present the most viable option for him under these circumstances.
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