By Herman M. Lagon
Nobody expected it to happen—until it did. Rodrigo Duterte, once untouchable, was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and is now on his way to The Hague. For years, families of drug war victims hoped for justice but never imagined he would stand trial. The man who mocked international law is on a plane bound for the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the effects of this moment will ripple for years.
To some, Duterte is still the crime fighter who imposed order. To others, he is a leader who ruled with violence, ignored due process, and left thousands dead. Duterte’s war on drugs left the country divided—some saw him as a fearless leader, others as the reason their loved ones never came home and nurtured a culture of impunity. The ICC’s case is a move toward accountability, but whether it delivers real justice or fuels political drama is still unclear.
His arrest is not just about him—it spotlights the system that let him rise and act without consequence. We have a long history of leaders escaping justice, and the question now is whether this moment will break that cycle or prove once again that impunity prevails.
The Martial Law dictator was ousted, yet his family regained power. The Maguindanao massacre saw convictions, but some perpetrators remain free. Will this trial bring real change or repeat history? The ICC has held leaders like Liberia’s Charles Taylor accountable but has also seen cases like Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta fall apart.
Duterte’s trial and case could go either way. It will be a fight—his allies, including Sara Duterte, already call his arrest an attack on our country’s sovereignty. This narrative will likely dominate discussions in the months ahead.
Beyond legal battles, the political stakes are high. Duterte’s strongman approach shaped many politicians who saw his iron-fisted leadership as a winning formula. His trial will test whether such figures can be held accountable or if it only strengthens populist defiance. Will his arrest weaken his influence or fuel a new wave of leaders in his mold?
We have seen overbearing figures, like former presidents, evade justice before. Joseph Estrada was found guilty of plunder but later pardoned. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo faced varied corruption charges but was acquitted. The EDSA revolution toppled Ferdinand Marcos Sr., yet his family remains politically entrenched. The same justice system must decide whether to uphold international law or bow to political pressure. Our government’s cooperation in Duterte’s arrest suggests a shift toward accountability, but whether it lasts or the reason for it is altruistic is uncertain.
For the victims’ families, this is personal. Paolo, who was just 15 when police killed his father, now sees a flicker of justice. He was tortured and told to stay silent—or suffer the same fate. Less than a year later, 17-year-old Kian delos Santos was dragged into an alley, begging for his life before being executed. His death sparked outrage, but for many, it was just one of thousands. Ana, who lost her husband and father-in-law in a single night, hopes Duterte’s trial forces him to acknowledge his crimes. Their pain was ignored for years. The world is now watching, but they fear justice may be delayed or denied.
Duterte’s case also forces the Philippines to confront its place in global justice. In 2019, Duterte cut ties with the ICC, insisting that no foreign court had the right to interfere in our soil. But his arrest shows that leaving does not mean escaping accountability. Now, the Philippines faces a tough question—how to uphold justice without losing sight of national pride.
The legal battle is far from over. His lawyers will claim the arrest is invalid since the country left the ICC. But the court stands firm, saying it still has jurisdiction over crimes committed before the exit. This fight could drag on for years. Legal experts predict this argument will delay the proceedings. Duterte will not go down without a fight if history is any guide.
Public opinion is deeply divided. Some see this as overdue justice; others call it persecution. The real challenge is ensuring the trial seeks truth, not just spectacle. It could set a global precedent for holding leaders accountable if done right. If mishandled, it could fuel division and claims of bias.
Yet, justice is about transformation, not only retribution. It entails advocating the rule of law and ensuring victims’ voices are heard. Duterte’s detention is more than just about him—it challenges the nation’s commitment to genuine accountability.
The world watches as he lands in The Hague. Some view it as a test of international justice, others reckoning. For our country, it reflects its struggle with power and accountability—shaping Duterte’s fate and the nation’s future.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
