In a historic development, the International Criminal Court has confirmed that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face trial starting November 30, with a panel of British judges presiding over the proceedings. The case, which centres on allegations of crimes against humanity during Duterte's brutal war on drugs, marks the first time a former head of state from Southeast Asia will be tried at The Hague.
For the families of the thousands killed in the drug crackdown, this trial offers a sliver of hope after years of impunity. Maria Santos, whose son was shot dead in 2017, said: “I never thought I would see this day. The world is watching. Maybe now we can finally get justice.”
The decision to fast-track the trial came after a pre-trial chamber rejected Duterte’s motion to dismiss the case on procedural grounds. The judges, all British nationals with extensive experience in international law, will hear evidence from witnesses and victims over an estimated six-month period. The prosecution has amassed a trove of documentation, including police reports, autopsy records, and testimonies from whistleblowers.
Duterte, who remains in custody in The Hague, has maintained his innocence, claiming the drug war was necessary to save the Philippines from a narcotics epidemic. His legal team has argued that the ICC lacks jurisdiction because the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the court ruled that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal took effect.
Human rights groups have welcomed the trial's scheduling. “This is a watershed moment for international justice,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. “It sends a clear message that leaders who sanction mass killings will be held accountable, regardless of their position.”
Yet the trial is not without controversy. Critics point out that the ICC has struggled to secure convictions in high-profile cases, with many defendants acquitted or charges dropped. The cost of the trial, estimated at tens of millions of euros, has also drawn fire from those who argue the resources could be better spent on humanitarian crises.
For ordinary Filipinos, the trial is a divisive issue. In a 2022 survey, 55% of respondents approved of Duterte's drug war, reflecting deep societal divisions. But for the poor communities that bore the brunt of the violence, the trial offers a chance to be heard. “We are not afraid of the truth,” said a community organiser from Manila's slums. “Let the judges see what we have lived through.”
The trial will be closely watched in London, where the judges' home country has a vested interest in the outcome. The British government has remained neutral but has provided logistical support to the ICC. As the November date approaches, the world will turn its eyes to The Hague, where a former strongman will answer for his actions.
For now, the families wait. “I will be there every day,” said Santos. “I owe it to my son.”
