Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In recent developments, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, have reportedly left the country for Hong Kong amidst escalating legal challenges and political shifts. Their departures coincide with increasing speculation about potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte's administration.
Rodrigo Duterte's Departure
On March 6, 2025, Rodrigo Duterte departed from Davao City to Manila aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR-2829, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 approximately two hours later. The following morning, March 7, he boarded flight PR 300 to Hong Kong, departing at 8:42 AM. This sequence of events has fueled discussions about his intentions and the timing of his travel.
Sara Duterte's Subsequent Exit
Following her father's departure, Vice President Sara Duterte left the Philippines on March 8, 2025. She took Philippine Airlines flight PR 318 from NAIA Terminal 1 at around 10:00 AM, also heading to Hong Kong. The back-to-back exits of the Duterte father-daughter duo have intensified public interest and speculation regarding their motives.
ICC Investigation and Potential Arrest Warrants
The backdrop to these departures is the ongoing investigation by the ICC into alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte's aggressive anti-drug campaign during his presidency. The campaign, which began in 2016, has been criticized for widespread extrajudicial killings. While official reports cite approximately 6,200 deaths, human rights organizations argue that the actual number could be significantly higher.
In a notable shift, the current Philippine administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed a willingness to cooperate with the ICC's proceedings. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla indicated that discussions with the ICC could commence soon, marking a departure from the previous administration's stance of non-cooperation.
Sara Duterte's Legal Challenges
Vice President Sara Duterte is also under scrutiny. Former police officer and self-proclaimed member of the Davao Death Squad, Arturo Lascañas, has implicated her in orchestrating widespread killings in Davao City during her tenure as mayor. These allegations have contributed to the Articles of Impeachment filed against her by the House of Representatives, with a Senate trial scheduled for July 2025.
Political Ramifications and the Duterte Dynasty
The Duterte family's political stronghold appears to be waning. Once a dominant force in Philippine politics, they now face multiple legal battles that threaten their legacy and influence. Allies of the Dutertes, such as televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, have also been implicated in serious crimes, including sex trafficking, further tarnishing their reputation.
Adding to their challenges, the Marcos administration, initially aligned with the Dutertes, has shown signs of distancing itself. President Marcos Jr. has indicated that the government would comply with any international arrest warrants issued by the ICC concerning the drug war.
Conclusion
The simultaneous departures of Rodrigo and Sara Duterte to Hong Kong come at a critical juncture, as both face mounting legal pressures domestically and internationally. The evolving political landscape in the Philippines suggests a potential decline of the Duterte dynasty, with forthcoming legal proceedings poised to shape the nation's future trajectory.
*Images from Ano'ng Meron of Tagapagmulat
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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