Duterte Finally Faces ICC Reckoning for His ‘War on Drugs’
Foreign Policy
by Joseph RachmanFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has commenced hearings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his controversial "War on Drugs" campaign. Duterte, who served from 2016 to 2022, faces charges of murder and attempted murder between 2011 and 2019. Despite being detained since March 2023 in The Hague, he refused to attend the pretrial hearings, labeling the case an "outrageous lie" perpetuated by his political opponents. Duterte also criticized the ICC's jurisdiction, claiming his arrest violated Filipino sovereignty and accusing the court of targeting him for personal gain.
The trial has become deeply entwined with Philippine domestic politics. Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a former ally of Duterte, has distanced himself from the former leader, even as Duterte's daughter, Sara Duterte, announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidency. Duterte's trial has reportedly boosted her father's popularity, while Marcos' approval ratings have declined. Additionally, the ICC identified eight prominent Filipino officials linked to Duterte as potential co-perpetrators in the case, including influential senators Ronald Dela Rosa and Christopher Go.
The case highlights broader tensions between international justice and national sovereignty, particularly for countries like the Philippines that have historically resisted ICC jurisdiction. Duterte's refusal to recognize the court's authority raises questions about the validity of the investigation. Meanwhile, the trial has become a political tool, with implications for both the Marcos administration and Duterte's legacy. Observers note that the outcome could influence Southeast Asia's fragile political landscape and its relationships with global
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/24/2026