The International Criminal Court has announced that the trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will commence in November, with a panel of British judges presiding over what is being hailed as a landmark human rights case. Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his brutal war on drugs, which claimed thousands of lives during his presidency.
For the families of victims in the working-class neighbourhoods of Manila and beyond, this trial is a long-awaited reckoning. ‘We have been waiting for justice for years,’ said Maria Santos, whose son was killed in a police operation in 2017. ‘The world is watching now.’
The decision to appoint British judges, led by Justice Catherine Morrison, reflects the ICC’s commitment to impartiality. Morrison, known for her work on war crimes tribunals, will be joined by Justice Thomas Albright and Justice Eleanor Hayes. Their task is daunting: sift through mountains of evidence, testimonies from survivors, and the legacy of a leader who once boasted of ordering extrajudicial killings.
Duterte’s legal team has already signalled a vigorous defence, arguing that the ICC has no jurisdiction since the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. But prosecutors contend that the court retains authority for crimes committed while the country was still a member. This legal tussle could delay proceedings, but the November date suggests momentum.
For British observers, the trial raises questions about the UK’s role in global justice. ‘It’s a heavy responsibility,’ said Professor David Miller of the London School of Economics. ‘But it also signals that no leader is above the law.’ The trial will be held at the ICC’s headquarters in The Hague, with live broadcasts expected.
Back in the Philippines, the trial is a flashpoint. Duterte retains a loyal following among some working-class voters who credit him with curbing crime. ‘He cleaned up the streets,’ said Roberto Lim, a jeepney driver in Quezon City. ‘People felt safe.’ Others, however, see the trial as a chance to break from a violent past. ‘This is about human dignity,’ said human rights lawyer Carla Hernandez. ‘The poor deserve justice too.’
The November trial will test the ICC’s credibility. If Duterte is convicted, it would be a historic moment for international law. If acquitted, it could embolden strongmen worldwide. Either way, the families of the dead will be watching closely. For them, the price of bread and the price of justice are intertwined.
