Duterte’s Arrest: Justice Served or National Sovereignty Undermined?
The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has ignited legal and political debates across the country. As the nation grapples with the implications of this unprecedented event, the discussion centers on its legality, sovereignty concerns, and the impact on the upcoming midterm elections. One of the primary legal questions raised is whether the ICC still has jurisdiction over Duterte, given that the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, under ICC rules, withdrawal does not absolve individuals of accountability for crimes committed while the country was still a member. The ICC investigation covers alleged crimes against humanity committed from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, during which the Philippines was still under ICC jurisdiction. The Philippine government initially resisted ICC involvement, asserting national sovereignty and the ability to conduct its own investigations. However, Duterte’s ...