The ICC has ruled that its investigation can proceed, citing risks of interference with investigations and the safety of witnesses and victims.

If convicted, Duterte faces potential imprisonment of up to 30 years, raising questions about how a once-powerful leader, often likened to 'the Trump of Asia', fell from grace.

The ongoing feud between the Duterte and Marcos families is expected to intensify, with public sentiment shaping the political landscape in the Philippines in the coming weeks.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign that led to thousands of deaths.

Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan described the crimes as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, emphasizing that ongoing investigations and the arrest represent a significant moment for victims seeking justice.

Authorities claimed police acted in self-defense, but evidence suggests that police falsified reports, including planting drugs at crime scenes.

Strains in the Duterte-Marcos alliance became evident when Sara Duterte was assigned the education ministry instead of the defense ministry, which she sought.

The charges against Duterte follow years of documentation of abuses by activists and lawyers, with support from victims who risked their safety to gather evidence against his regime.

Duterte has been accused of encouraging extrajudicial killings and allowing police to operate with impunity, while witnesses have stated that many victims were unarmed and posed no threat, contradicting police claims.

Human Rights Watch's Carlos Conde described the arrest as historic, bringing optimism to victims of the violence who have lost faith in the domestic legal system.

Duterte humorously suggested that supporters contribute to a monument of him holding a gun, reflecting his controversial legacy and defiance despite the serious allegations against him.

As of January 2025, the ICC has 125 member states, including Ukraine as the newest member, but notable absences include major global powers like the United States, Russia, and China.