MANILA, Philippines — Rodrigo Duterte, the firebrand former president of the Philippines, turned 80 years old on Thursday while detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, as his family publicly appealed for permission to visit him amid his ongoing trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
The Charges and Detention
Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, faces ICC accusations of orchestrating systematic extrajudicial killings during his controversial “war on drugs.” The campaign, which he vowed would “eliminate drug criminals in six months,” left over 6,000 dead in police operations, according to government figures. Human rights groups, however, estimate the death toll exceeds 30,000, including victims of vigilante violence.
The ICC opened its probe in 2018, and despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court’s jurisdiction in 2019, prosecutors argue they retain authority over crimes committed before the exit. Duterte, who has repeatedly dismissed the ICC as “bullshit” and “a waste of money,” was transferred to The Hague in late 2023 after a pre-trial chamber greenlit the case.
A Birthday Behind Bars
On Thursday, Duterte’s family released a statement expressing frustration over their inability to visit him. “We await the ICC’s approval to see our father. This milestone is not a celebration but a moment of profound sadness,” the statement read. His daughter, Sara Duterte, the Philippines’ current vice president, has remained publicly neutral but privately lobbied allies for “compassionate access,” according to sources close to the family.
ICC officials confirmed visitation requests are under review but emphasized that protocols for high-profile detainees prioritize security and legal integrity.
Nation Divided
The case has polarized the Philippines. Supporters of Duterte, including factions in Congress, argue the ICC undermines national sovereignty. “This is neo-colonialism disguised as justice,” said Representative Arnolfo Teves, a Duterte ally. Meanwhile, victims’ families and human rights advocates demand accountability. “My son was innocent. Duterte’s trial gives us hope,” said Mrs. Lorenza Delos Santos, mother of a 17-year-old killed in a 2017 raid.
Political analysts warn the trial could destabilize the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has cautiously avoided endorsing either side. “Marcos is walking a tightrope between global alliances and domestic loyalty to Duterte’s base,” said University of Manila political science professor Carlos Cruz.
Global Implications
The ICC’s pursuit of Duterte is seen as a litmus test for international justice. While Western nations largely back the court, China and Russia have criticized the move as politically motivated. Legal experts note the trial could set precedents for holding heads of state accountable for domestic policies.
What’s Next?
Pre-trial hearings are expected to resume in April, with prosecutors preparing to present witness testimonies and forensic evidence. Duterte’s defense team, maintains his innocence, calling the charges “a fiction built on activist propaganda.”
As the legal battle unfolds, Duterte’s 80th birthday underscores a dramatic fall from power for a leader once dubbed “The Punisher” — now confined to a cell thousands of miles from home.
Additional Context:
- The Philippines’ drug war has been condemned by the UN, EU, and Amnesty International.
- Sara Duterte, 46, is considered a frontrunner for the 2028 presidential election.
Sources: ICC filings, Human Rights Watch, Philippine National Police data.
