Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines, has been arrested due to an ICC warrant as he returned from Hong Kong. His political alliance with the Marcos family has deteriorated, raising questions about Filipino sovereignty and upcoming elections. The ICC’s actions, while significant, reveal the underlying tensions between international law and domestic politics in the Philippines.
Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, recently faced arrest upon his return from Hong Kong, where he had been campaigning among the Filipino diaspora. At nearly 80 years old, he was under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which the Philippines government swiftly executed, resulting in his transfer to an air force base and plans for extradition to The Hague.
Mr. Duterte’s supporters have argued against the legality of his arrest, citing concerns over his poor health. During his presidency, Duterte created a political alliance with the Marcos family, aiming to ensure protection from potential repercussions for his controversial anti-drug policies, which have led to widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings.
In the 2022 elections, both Ferdinand Marcos’s son Bongbong and Duterte’s daughter Sara successfully claimed the presidency and vice-presidency, respectively. This alliance was formed with the understanding that Sara would eventually ascend to the presidency with the backing of the Marcos network, ensuring a collaborative political front.
The relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families has since deteriorated, particularly after Sara’s ambitions led to tensions within their coalition. Issues arose when her request for the defense ministry was denied, and worsened with her alleged threat against President Marcos. Currently, moves are being made in Congress to impeach Sara Duterte, which could hinder her political prospects.
Although President Marcos has distanced himself from Duterte’s policies, the popularity of the Duterte family remains a significant factor in Philippine politics. Furthermore, Sara expressed her discontent through a statement condemning the government for ceding her father to international authorities, claiming it undermines Filipino sovereignty.
The upcoming mid-term elections in May will serve as a significant indicator of the political clout maintained by both families. President Marcos has stated that he is upholding obligations to Interpol regarding Duterte’s extradition; however, he has not directly acknowledged the role of the ICC in his statements.
The prosecution of Duterte poses equal risks for the ICC, as it grapples with challenges in executing warrants and maintaining credibility, especially given the political landscape, including tensions with major powers like China, which caution against politicizing such cases. This situation highlights the intersection of international law and domestic political disagreements within the Philippines.
Rodrigo Duterte’s recent arrest underscores the fragility of political alliances in the Philippines. Once a powerful leader, he now faces serious charges from the ICC, with his family’s political future hanging in the balance. The evolving relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families illustrates the complexities of power dynamics in Philippine politics. As the imminent mid-term elections approach, the responses from both factions may shape the future of governance and accountability in the nation.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
