Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has been vocally critical of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, dismissing it and its judges with derogatory remarks, and labeling the impending prosecution against him as "bullshit". However, following his departure from office, Duterte experienced a surprising turnaround when his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., allowed the execution of the international arrest warrant against him. This turn of events led to Duterte's arrest and his hasty transfer to Europe, where he arrived on March 12, 2025, describing the operation as a "kidnapping".

Duterte's presidency was marked by a controversial drug war that resulted in the deaths of thousands, igniting international condemnation and calls for justice. His prosecution by the ICC in The Hague represents a significant moment, not only for the Philippines but for international law as it seeks to hold leaders accountable for crimes against humanity. With the court's legitimacy and power being questioned by various nations, Duterte's case could set a precedent for future actions against leaders implicated in such severe human rights violations.

Now, raising questions about the sufficiency of evidence against him and the broader implications for both the ICC and the Philippines, Duterte's legal saga unfolds. This marks a pivotal moment for international criminal law, especially in the context of human rights accountability and the fight against impunity for those in high positions of power.