Rodrigo Duterte, the former Philippines president, has been arrested following an ICC warrant related to his anti-drug campaign. This outcome has stemmed from shifts in political alliances with the Marcos family, raising questions about accountability and national sovereignty. Potential repercussions for his daughter Sara’s political aspirations could arise from ongoing investigations and declining alliances. The mid-term elections will test public support amid these tensions.
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has recently found himself in police custody following the execution of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). At nearly 80 years old, Duterte was returning from Hong Kong where he had been campaigning for candidates in the upcoming mid-term elections, when authorities intercepted him at the Manila airport. His frail appearance, using a walking stick, marked a drastic fall from grace for a once powerful leader known for his brutal anti-drug policies.
Duterte’s arrest raises questions about how he, often regarded as “the Trump of Asia”, descended into such vulnerability. His legal team argued against the legitimacy of the arrest and raised concerns over his health while in custody. During his presidency, Duterte aligned with the Marcos family, aiming for a political alliance wherein his daughter Sara could eventually succeed him. Both Sara and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. successfully won election positions, aiming to consolidate power.
Duterte faced serious accusations concerning extrajudicial killings resulting from his anti-drug campaign initiated in 2016. He attempted to withdraw the Philippines from ICC jurisdiction in 2019, yet the court maintained authority to investigate pre-withdrawal crimes. Although President Marcos expressed earlier hesitance regarding ICC cooperation, that stance changed following emerging rifts between the Duterte and Marcos factions.
Strains began to surface when Sara Duterte sought control of the defense ministry but was assigned to education instead, signaling a shift in power dynamics. Marcos altered his predecessor’s hardline policies, establishing stronger relations with the US while reducing violence against drug offenders. The political alliance’s friction culminated in a lawsuit against Sara Duterte, jeopardizing her future political aspirations.
Marcos appears to have strategically neutralized Duterte’s influence, yet risks backlash from Duterte supporters, with Sara claiming her father’s extradition undermines Philippine sovereignty. The impending mid-term elections will act as a barometer for public support towards both families. President Marcos cited commitments to Interpol regarding Duterte’s extradition while being evasive about the ICC’s role, given the public’s mixed sentiments about the court.
This situation is precarious for the ICC as well, facing resistance from multiple countries to enforce extraditions. With a challenging reputation amplified by international pressures, facilitating Duterte’s transfer to The Hague would represent a significant triumph for the court amid ongoing criticisms. However, China has cautioned against politicizing ICC cases, highlighting the domestic political tensions that have intertwined with international legal proceedings.
The situation surrounding Rodrigo Duterte’s custody highlights the complex interplay between domestic politics and international law. His arrest signifies a dramatic shift from power to vulnerability for the former president and illustrates the fractured alliance between the Dutertes and Marcoses. While the ICC seeks accountability for past actions, it faces challenges in enforcement, as well as a complicated political environment within the Philippines. Future elections and public response may further shape the political landscape for both influential families.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
