Former Philippine President Duterte is Being Tried by the ICC and Why Filipino Americans Should Care

Rodrigo Duterte built his presidency on a brutal war on drugs, one that left thousands dead without due process and human rights advocates outraged. Now, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is pushing forward with its investigation into possible crimes against humanity, putting the former Philippine president on the path to facing justice.

This is a major win for democracy in the Philippines, comforting proof that no leader is untouchable. But it also raises big questions about Philippine sovereignty: Should an international court have the power to hold a Philippine president accountable? Or does this undermine the country's ability to govern itself? With the U.S., Russia, and other key players watching closely, the Philippines is caught in a high-stakes balancing act.

So what does this mean for Filipinos in the diaspora? Let’s break it down for you:

1. Holding Leaders Accountable = A Stronger Democracy

Let’s get one thing straight: having a former president investigated for crimes against humanity is huge. The fact that Duterte could be held legally responsible for his actions signals that democracy in the Philippines isn’t just performative, it’s real and a much needed affirmation for our country after decades of political turmoil and corruption.

For years, many Filipinos felt like justice was impossible under Duterte’s rule. The ICC investigation shows that the international community is paying attention, and that leaders, no matter how powerful, can’t act with total impunity. This is a defining moment for the country’s political future.

2. But What About Sovereignty?

While the trial is a step toward justice, it’s also a test of Philippine sovereignty. Should an international court be able to prosecute a former Philippine president, or should this be left to the country’s own legal system? And can the Philippines hold their ground in the aftermath of such interference?

Duterte’s camp and his supporters argue that allowing the ICC to proceed compromises the Philippines’ independence, framing the investigation as foreign interference. It’s true that sovereignty is a sensitive issue, many former colonies (including the Philippines itself) have a long history of external powers dictating their fate (centuries of colonization, anyone?).

But on the flip side, what happens when a government refuses to hold its own leaders accountable and take action? We either self-destruct from the inside or continue our streak as the world’s only “democracy” that somehow stays stuck in third-world poverty, stifles innovation, and watches corruption thrive, all while our south east asian neighbors race ahead into the future. Oh, and let’s not forget our current system allows VP Sara Duterte to casually drop assassination threats on a Zoom call, only to walk away with nothing more than a glorified time-out.

This is where things get messy. Does justice override sovereignty, or should national pride come before global accountability?

3. The U.S. X- Factor

The Philippines and the U.S. have always had a complicated, love-hate relationship. Washington has provided military aid and economic partnerships, but it’s also been criticized for turning a blind eye to human rights abuses in exchange for strategic influence in Southeast Asia.

Now that the ICC is moving forward, the U.S. is in an awkward position:

• If it supports the ICC case, it strengthens democracy and human rights efforts in the Philippines, but risks destabilizing its relationship with a key ally in Asia.

• If it stays silent or opposes the trial, it prioritizes political strategy over justice, reinforcing the idea that powerful leaders can get away with anything.

For Filipino Americans, this is a moment to push for U.S. leaders to be on the right side of history. Will Washington stand for democracy, or will it prioritize geopolitical interests?

4. Russia and China: A Power Play

Duterte didn’t just align himself with the U.S. when he was in office, he also built closer ties with Russia and China, two countries that have openly opposed the ICC.

If the ICC trial moves forward, will Russia and China step in to defend Duterte? Will they use this as an opportunity to pull the Philippines further away from Western influence? This case doesn’t just affect the Philippines, it’s a political chess match that could shift alliances on a global scale.

For Filipinos in the diaspora, it’s important to watch how these power dynamics unfold. The Philippines is more than just a small island nation—it’s a key player in global politics.

5. Why This Matters for Filipino Americans

Filipino Americans are more than just spectators in this. We have the power to shape the conversation around democracy, sovereignty, and justice.

We’ve seen how other diasporas, Korean Americans advocating for human rights in South Korea, Jewish Americans navigating Israel-Palestine politics and vice versa, have made an impact on global discourse. The Filipino community is one of the largest and most politically active Asian groups in the U.S. We have the numbers, the influence, and the voice to demand accountability from both the Philippine government and U.S. policymakers.

Finally, Duterte’s ICC trial isn’t just about him, it’s about what kind of country the Philippines wants to be.

• A country where justice is real? Or one where leaders are untouchable?

• A country that stands for human rights? Or one that prioritizes political alliances over accountability?

• A country that strengthens democracy? Or one that lets sovereignty become an excuse for impunity?

There’s no easy answer, but one thing is clear: this case will define the Philippines for years to come.

The question is: how do we, as Filipinos around the world, choose to respond?

For many in the diaspora, our relationship with the Philippines is deeply emotional but sometimes distant. We celebrate our food, our music, our athletes, but do we care enough about the country’s political realities? This trial forces us to engage beyond nostalgia and pride. Being Filipino isn’t just about repping Jollibee and karaoke, it’s also about standing up for our people when it matters.

We must stay engaged and stay informed.

Whether you grew up hearing relatives praise Duterte or you’ve been following his human rights violations for years, the ICC case is a moment of reckoning. The Philippines is at a crossroads, and as Filipino Americans, we have a choice: look away, or use our voices to push for truth, justice, and a better future for our homeland.

So, do you care? I hope so.