March 19, The Hague – The trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) took an unexpected turn, sending shockwaves across global political and legal circles. Appearing in a wheelchair, the 79-year-old faced charges of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs. However, what was expected to be a routine hearing quickly escalated into a heated exchange that has now gone viral.
Duterte’s Defiant Challenge
As the presiding judge read the charges, Duterte responded with three explosive claims that immediately shifted the courtroom’s atmosphere:
1. Selective Justice? He accused the ICC of ignoring alleged US military actions, stating, “The US military killed 350,000 civilians in Afghanistan, yet the ICC has turned a blind eye for 20 years!”
2. Double Standards? He questioned the ICC’s silence on Israel, saying, “Israel has killed 50,000 children in Gaza—where are your arrest warrants?”
3. Defense of His Drug Crackdown – Duterte presented video footage from Davao City showing a 73% drop in crime following his anti-drug operations.
As Duterte spoke, the judge attempted to restore order, banging the gavel to halt his remarks. But the former president pressed on, pulling out a stack of photographs—juxtaposing images of children killed by drug cartels with those of civilian casualties from US military drone strikes. He then posed a chilling question: “Which is more like a crime against humanity?”
The courtroom erupted. Supporters in attendance, including Filipino observers, began chanting “Long live the President!” Security struggled to contain the unrest as the session descended into chaos.
Political Fallout in the Philippines
The unexpected turn of events has put the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a difficult position. The Marcos government, which initially supported the ICC’s case against Duterte, is now under pressure as public sentiment shifts. Notably, Vice President Sara Duterte—Duterte’s daughter—has seen a surge in popularity, climbing to 39% approval.
A Defining Moment for the ICC
Duterte did not stop at defending himself. He openly challenged the legitimacy of the ICC, vowing: “If I am found guilty, then arrest Biden and Netanyahu and put them on trial.”
This statement has further fueled the growing discontent among Global South nations regarding what they perceive as a Western-dominated justice system that disproportionately targets smaller nations while ignoring the actions of world powers. The ICC now faces a critical dilemma:
If Duterte is convicted, it could trigger a wave of ICC withdrawals from Global South countries, questioning the court’s legitimacy.
If he is acquitted, Western nations—key financial backers of the ICC—may threaten funding cuts, jeopardizing the court’s future operations.
The Bigger Picture: A Shifting Global Order
Duterte’s trial, now dubbed the “Trial of the Century,” has become more than just a legal proceeding—it has turned into a symbol of the power struggle between the Global South and the Western-led international legal system.
With millions watching online and discussions intensifying across international media, the outcome of this case could reshape global perceptions of justice, international law, and geopolitical power dynamics.
As the world awaits the verdict, one thing is clear—this trial has exposed deep fractures within the international legal order, forcing a long-overdue debate on accountability, sovereignty, and fairness in global governance.
For now, Duterte remains defiant, and the world is watching.
Amiida Fraser.
Headlinenews.news
