ICC ‘weaponized’ in Philippines political feud – expert
The extradition of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague to stand trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) could be the result of a domestic political conflict, an expert has told RT.
Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may have orchestrated the strategic move to get rid of a rival, according to Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute.
Duterte, 79, was arrested at Manila’s international airport on an ICC warrant earlier this month and appeared before the court’s pre-trial chamber last week. He will remain in custody until his next appearance scheduled for September.
”There is this ongoing feud between the Marcos and the Dutertes and I think that the Marcos Jr. administration has weaponized the ICC against the Dutertes,” Malindog-Uy said.
Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity linked to a ‘war on drugs’ during his presidency. Official reports indicate that around 6,200 people were killed during police operations. Duterte assumed full responsibility for the killings but denies he led a campaign of systematic murder.
The feud between Duterte and Marcos, representing the two most powerful political dynasties, was triggered by personal accusations and policy disagreements. Duterte accused Marcos of consolidating power and drug use, while Marcos dismissed the claims, referencing Duterte’s use of the painkiller fentanyl. Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is facing impeachment over allegations that include a plot to kill the president.
Malindog-Uy also pointed out that the foundational concept of the ICC is that it serves as a court of last resort, intervening only when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate and prosecute serious international crimes such as genocide or crimes against humanity.
”That is not the case with the Philippines,” she insisted.
Duterte's supporters have condemned the arrest as unlawful, pointing out that the Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019.
The ICC claims it can retain jurisdiction over alleged crimes that may have taken place while a country was a signatory to the court.
The ICC has faced persistent criticism for its disproportionate focus on developing nations, with many accusing it of neo-colonialism and selective justice, serving Western interests rather than impartial law.
