Rodrigo Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte is the former president of the Philippines, serving from 2016 to 2022. He is currently facing scrutiny from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding his controversial "war on drugs." This anti-drug campaign, initiated during his time as a city mayor and continued throughout his presidency, is alleged to have involved widespread extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses. The ICC is holding hearings to determine whether Duterte should stand trial for crimes against humanity, including murder. ICC prosecutors allege Duterte was "pivotal" in the deaths of thousands, even drawing up "death lists" and boasting about the killings. Supporters and detractors have rallied in The Hague as the proceedings unfold, highlighting Duterte's continued influence in the Philippines. Meanwhile, allies of Duterte are reportedly using online platforms to attack the Philippines' ties with the US and spread narratives that portray the ICC investigation as politically motivated.