Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has arrived in the Netherlands to face charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. His extradition marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first former Asian head of state to stand trial at the ICC.
Duterte, 79, was arrested in Manila before being flown to The Hague, where he will undergo legal proceedings. His chartered plane touched down at Rotterdam The Hague Airport around 11:55 p.m. Philippine time after making a stopover in Dubai for refueling. Upon arrival, he was swiftly transported to the ICC’s detention facility near the North Sea coast, where he will remain in custody until his initial court appearance.
The Popularity and Legacy of Duterte
Despite his controversial policies, Duterte remained one of the most popular presidents in Philippine history. His strongman leadership style and tough stance on crime and corruption resonated with many Filipinos, particularly those frustrated with traditional politics. Throughout his term, he consistently maintained high approval ratings, with surveys showing widespread support for his governance. His direct and often unfiltered communication style endeared him to many, especially in his hometown of Davao City, where he served as mayor for over two decades before becoming president.
Many Filipinos saw Duterte as a leader who delivered results, particularly in areas like infrastructure, economic growth, and law enforcement. His ability to connect with the masses and portray himself as a man of the people further cemented his popularity, even as human rights groups and international organizations criticized his administration.
The Charges Against Duterte
The charges against Duterte stem from his administration’s aggressive anti-drug campaign, which began in 2016 and resulted in thousands of deaths. Human rights organizations estimate that up to 30,000 people may have been killed during the crackdown, many of them victims of extrajudicial executions allegedly carried out by police and vigilante groups. The campaign drew widespread condemnation from both domestic and international human rights advocates, who have long accused Duterte of authorizing systematic killings under the guise of law enforcement.
While Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 in an effort to avoid international scrutiny, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member. The ICC had been investigating the drug war killings since 2021, and Duterte’s extradition signals a major step toward accountability.
Duterte’s Achievements in the Philippines
Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, Duterte’s administration implemented several key reforms that had lasting effects on the country:
- Tax Reform and Economic Growth: His government introduced the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, reducing income taxes for 99% of taxpayers while raising excise taxes on fuel, sugar-sweetened beverages, and luxury goods. The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act also lowered corporate income tax rates to support businesses.
- “Build, Build, Build” Infrastructure Program: Duterte significantly increased infrastructure spending, leading to the construction of roads, bridges, railways, and airports to boost economic development and job creation.
- Rice Tariffication Law: This law opened the rice market to imports, stabilizing rice prices and reducing inflation, while providing subsidies to local farmers.
- Universal Health Care (UHC) Law: Funded by increased taxes on alcohol and tobacco, this program expanded healthcare services to all Filipinos.
Duterte’s Support for Marcos Jr. and Their Fallout
In the 2022 presidential election, Duterte initially expressed doubts about Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s candidacy. However, the political landscape shifted when Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, joined forces with Marcos Jr. as his vice-presidential running mate. The “UniTeam” alliance leveraged their combined regional support and political influence, leading to a landslide victory.
Despite this strong start, relations between the two families soured over time. Disagreements on governance, policy priorities, and political positioning for the 2028 elections created tensions. The final blow came when the Marcos administration facilitated Duterte’s arrest and extradition, citing the Philippines’ international obligations. Many believe this move was strategically aimed at diminishing the Duterte family’s political power.
What Happens Next?
Duterte is expected to make his first appearance before ICC judges in the coming days. During this session, he will be formally informed of the charges against him and the legal process ahead. His legal team is anticipated to argue against the ICC’s jurisdiction, while prosecutors will present evidence detailing the alleged extrajudicial killings.
If convicted, Duterte could face a lengthy prison sentence, though ICC trials often take years to reach a verdict. His arrest has also weakened his family’s influence, particularly in Davao, while Vice President Sara Duterte faces political uncertainty. The former alliance between the Duterte and Marcos camps has transformed into a political rivalry, reshaping the future of Philippine politics.
As the proceedings unfold, the world will be watching closely to see whether justice will be served for the thousands of victims of the Philippines’ drug war.
