RODRIGO ROA Duterte’s arrest and surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) mark a defining moment in our country’s pursuit of justice.
Yet beyond the legal process, what is most striking—and tragic—is the deep division among our people. Supporters and critics of Duterte continue to clash, when in truth, they are both victims of a political system that has long thrived on impunity, deception, and the abuse of power.
Duterte’s downfall did not happen in isolation. If the alliance between his family and that of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had remained intact, we would not be seeing this today. For years, their partnership enabled each other’s rise and survival, shielding them from accountability and reinforcing the culture of impunity in our country. But when that unity fractured, Duterte became vulnerable. This reality must not be ignored—Marcos Jr. is not without accountability. He and his administration now have the opportunity to show whether their actions are guided by justice or by political convenience.
As Duterte appears before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber today at 9:00 PM Manila time, the proceedings will determine:
1) His formal identification and custody status.
2) Whether he has been informed of and understands the charges against him.
3) His awareness of his rights under the Rome Statute, including the right to apply for interim release.
4) His comprehension of the proceedings, which will likely be conducted in English.
While Duterte has the right to seek interim release, this must be carefully scrutinized. His political influence remains formidable, and the risk of witness intimidation, obstruction of justice, and even escape cannot be dismissed. Unlike the thousands who perished under his drug war—denied due process and silenced forever—he now stands before a court that upholds the very legal protections he disregarded.
This is not a moment for celebration, nor for further division. This is a moment for reckoning. The people deserve the truth, not just about Duterte, but about every leader who enabled him. The fight against impunity does not end with one man’s trial—it extends to all those who benefited from and sustained this system.
Let this be a turning point. Let us not be blinded by political loyalties but instead unite in the call for real justice, real accountability, and a future where no leader—no matter how powerful—is above the law.
