Former Philippine leader Duterte arrested on an International Criminal Court warrant
BreitbartMAR 13
Ex-Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte Arrested on ICC Warrant
Above: A supporter holding a portrait of Rodrigo Duterte waves the Philippine national flag on March 9, 2025. Image copyright: Anthony Kwan/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Duterte's arrest shows that no one is above the law. It's a critical step for human rights accountability in the Philippines and toward justice for thousands of victims and their families. There's clear evidence of systematic killings during the drug war, which must be addressed through proper legal channels.
Narrative B
The arrest is unlawful since the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, invalidating the court's jurisdiction. Moreover, Duterte's anti-drug campaign was a legitimate government policy aimed at protecting the Filipino people from the scourge of illegal drugs, with all actions taken in service of the nation.