Supporters and Allies Condemn Arrest of Former President Rodrigo Duterte
Supporters and Allies Condemn Arrest of Former President Rodrigo Duterte
Manila, Philippines – The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked widespread condemnation from his allies, supporters, and political figures who believe the move is politically motivated. Duterte was detained at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11, 2025, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs.
Outrage from Duterte's Supporters
Duterte’s allies, including former government officials and members of his political party, have decried the arrest as an attack on Philippine sovereignty. Former Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, a longtime aide to Duterte, called the arrest "an insult to our democracy and our nation’s ability to govern itself."
“The ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines. Duterte was a democratically elected leader who served and protected the Filipino people. This is nothing but a political witch hunt,” Go said in a statement (Reuters).
Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, also denounced the arrest, calling it "a grave injustice" and warning of political instability. "My father dedicated his life to serving this country. His arrest is an affront to our nation’s dignity," she stated in a televised address.
Political Ramifications and Sovereignty Debate
Critics argue that the Marcos Jr. administration played a role in allowing Duterte’s arrest, accusing the current government of betraying a former leader. Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, a former police chief and one of the key figures in Duterte’s war on drugs, stated that the arrest could lead to public unrest. "The people who benefited from Duterte’s leadership will not take this sitting down. There will be consequences," he warned.
Many of Duterte’s supporters took to the streets of Manila and Davao City to protest the arrest, holding placards that read "Defend Duterte" and "No to ICC Intervention." Social media was also flooded with messages under the hashtag #JusticeForDuterte, with thousands expressing their dismay over what they called "foreign interference" in Philippine affairs (The Times).
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts are divided on the matter. Some argue that the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 renders the warrant invalid, while others claim that Duterte can still be held accountable for crimes committed before the withdrawal.
Atty. Harry Roque, Duterte’s former spokesperson and an international law expert, questioned the validity of the arrest. "The ICC is overstepping its bounds. The Philippines has a functioning judicial system, and any case against Duterte should be handled domestically, not by an international tribunal that has lost its credibility," he stated in an interview with AP News.
What’s Next?
As legal proceedings unfold, Duterte’s supporters continue to demand his immediate release. The Philippine government faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance on the ICC’s jurisdiction and determine whether it will cooperate with the international tribunal or push for domestic legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, protests and political discourse surrounding Duterte’s arrest are expected to escalate, potentially affecting the country's political stability in the months ahead.
Sources:
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Reuters, "Philippines' ex-President Duterte arrested at ICC's request over 'drugs war' killings"
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AP News, "Arrested Philippine ex-President Duterte to face legacy of thousands killed in drug crackdown"
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The Times, "Former Philippines leader flees to Hong Kong over possible arrest"
