ICC Names Duterte's Allies, Heightening Political Tensions in the Philippines

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has publicly named two sitting Philippine senators, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, as alleged “co-perpetrators” in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces charges of crimes against humanity. This development intensifies the scrutiny on Duterte's administration, particularly regarding the violent anti-drug campaign that resulted in numerous deaths. The ICC's prosecution alleges that Duterte and his associates engaged in a coordinated effort to "neutralise" individuals accused of drug-related offenses through violent means, including murder. The charges against Duterte encompass at least 76 killings occurring between 2016 and 2018, during his presidency and prior as mayor of Davao City.

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Duterte's "war on drugs," initiated in 2016, has been a focal point of controversy, with human rights organizations estimating that between 6,200 to as many as 30,000 individuals may have died as a result of police operations. The campaign has disproportionately affected impoverished communities, with many victims being innocent bystanders, including children. The current Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has not distanced himself from Duterte's policies, which raises concerns about the continuation of such violent tactics under his administration.

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A significant hearing is scheduled from February 23 to 27, 2026, where a panel of ICC judges will evaluate evidence to determine whether the charges against Duterte will proceed to trial. This hearing is not intended to establish guilt or innocence but rather to assess the sufficiency of the prosecution's evidence. Following the hearing, judges will have 60 days to issue a decision. Human Rights Watch has emphasized the importance of this hearing as a step toward justice for victims of the drug war, asserting that it reflects the determination of victims and their families to seek accountability.

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The inclusion of Senators Dela Rosa and Go in the ICC's allegations complicates the political landscape in the Philippines as the nation approaches the 2028 presidential election. Dela Rosa, a former national police chief and a key figure in Duterte's drug war, has expressed concerns about potential arrest and has remained out of the public eye. Go, a close ally of Duterte, was re-elected in May 2025, indicating continued support for Duterte's policies among certain factions within the government.

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Critics argue that the ICC's proceedings should prompt President Marcos to publicly renounce the violent policies of his predecessor. Maria Elena Vignoli from Human Rights Watch stated that the ICC's actions should encourage Marcos to promote justice and the rule of law, including credible investigations into past abuses. The ongoing situation highlights the challenges facing the Philippines as it grapples with the legacy of Duterte's administration and the need for accountability.

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• “Former President Duterte wrongly thought he was untouchable, beyond the reach of the law,” — Maria Elena Vignoli, Senior International Justice Counsel, Human Rights Watch.

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• “Duterte and his co-perpetrators shared a common plan or agreement to ‘neutralise’ alleged criminals in the Philippines – including those perceived or alleged to be associated with drug use, sale or production – through violent crimes including murder,” — ICC Prosecutors.

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While the ICC and human rights organizations provide estimates of deaths linked to the drug war, there is a significant discrepancy in the numbers reported, with official police figures stating approximately 6,200 deaths, while human rights groups claim the toll could be as high as 30,000. This divergence underscores the ongoing debate over the true impact of Duterte's policies and the need for thorough investigations.

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