ICC naming of Duterte’s allies sharpens Philippines’ political fault lines
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has publicly identified Philippine Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher "Bong" Go as alleged "co-perpetrators" in Rodrigo Duterte's crimes against humanity case, escalating political tensions in the Philippines. The ICC prosecution accuses them and six other officials of participating in a plan to "neutralize" alleged criminals through violent means, including murder, during Duterte's "war on drugs" from 2016-2018 and his time as Davao City mayor from 2013-2016. Duterte, who faces three counts of crimes against humanity covering 76 killings, was arrested in Manila in March 2025 and is currently in ICC custody in The Hague. A four-day hearing is scheduled to begin on February 23, where judges will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial after rejecting Duterte's appeal to postpone proceedings. The inclusion of sitting senators complicates the political landscape within the Philippines, particularly with the upcoming 2028 presidential race.
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