OFWs, Want Duterte Back? Forget Rallies—Only Solid Evidence Can Set Him Free!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Hi po, OFWs all over the world! 

May I provide a suggestion? 

The surest way to bring him back to the Philippines is to prove his innocence of crimes against humanity. That will require evidence. Please provide evidence that he didn’t commit those crimes, that he didn’t order the police to do the killings, that he and his administration didn’t interfere with the justice system in the Philippines so he could avoid accountability, so they can be presented to the ICC. 

Banners like this won’t work to set him free. Petitions won’t work to set him free. T-shirts, posts, account profiles that say bring him home won’t work to set him free. And certainly, spamming social media accounts of the ICC and their judges won’t work to set him free. That’s not how the real world works po. 

Good luck! I sincerely wish you all the best in your efforts. No sarcasm, because I think it would be really good for everyone to experience reality and stop living in fantasyland.

The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history, reflecting deep political dynamics and the pursuit of justice on an international scale.

A Dramatic Turn of Events

On March 11, 2025, Rodrigo Duterte was apprehended at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong. This arrest stemmed from a secret warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing him of crimes against humanity related to his infamous "war on drugs" campaign. Estimates suggest that this campaign resulted in thousands of deaths, drawing global condemnation and prompting the ICC's intervention. 

The Charges Unveiled

The ICC's 15-page arrest warrant, issued on March 7, 2025, charges Duterte with murder as a crime against humanity. The document alleges his involvement with the Davao Death Squad prior to his presidency and overseeing widespread killings during his anti-drug campaign. The warrant details how Duterte allegedly provided weapons and incentives to law enforcement and hitmen, fostering a culture of impunity. 

Political Undercurrents

Duterte's arrest has intensified the longstanding feud between the Duterte and Marcos political dynasties. Tensions escalated when Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president, admitted to hiring a hitman to assassinate current President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. This revelation led to her impeachment and highlighted the deep-seated rivalries influencing the nation's political landscape. 

International Proceedings Commence

Following his arrest, Duterte was swiftly transferred to the ICC's custody in The Hague. He made his initial appearance before the court on March 14, 2025, via video link, where the charges were formally read. A confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025, marking the beginning of a legal process that could have profound implications for international justice and the Philippines' political future. 

Reactions and Reflections

The arrest has elicited mixed reactions domestically and internationally. Human rights organizations have hailed it as a monumental step toward accountability for the victims of the drug war. Amnesty International emphasized the symbolic significance of Duterte's appearance before the ICC, viewing it as a momentous occasion for the victims and their families. 

Conversely, Duterte's supporters have expressed outrage, staging protests in various regions and decrying the arrest as politically motivated.

A Call for Evidence

In light of these developments, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other supporters advocating for Duterte's return to the Philippines face a critical challenge. To counter the ICC's charges, concrete evidence proving his innocence is imperative. Symbolic gestures such as banners, petitions, and social media campaigns, while emotionally resonant, lack the substantive impact required in legal proceedings. The ICC operates on the foundation of evidence and legal rigor; thus, presenting verifiable proof that Duterte did not commit the alleged crimes, did not order extrajudicial killings, and did not interfere with the justice system is essential for any defense strategy.

Conclusion

The unfolding events surrounding Rodrigo Duterte's arrest underscore the complex interplay of justice, politics, and public sentiment in the Philippines. As the ICC proceedings advance, the nation's commitment to the rule of law and accountability remains under international scrutiny, reflecting a critical juncture in its pursuit of justice and democratic integrity.

Ex-Kakampinks Defend Duterte? The Shocking Lies and Deceit in Philippine Politics!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the charged political landscape of the Philippines, a new narrative has emerged: self-proclaimed "Kakampinks"—supporters of former Vice President Leni Robredo—expressing unexpected sympathy for former President Rodrigo Duterte amidst his recent arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This development has sparked intense debate, challenging the boundaries of political allegiance and justice.

The Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte

On March 13, 2025, Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's main airport on charges of crimes against humanity related to his notorious "war on drugs." This arrest followed a secret warrant issued by the ICC, marking a significant moment in international justice. Duterte, en route to The Hague, accepted responsibility for his anti-drug campaign, stating his readiness to face the legal process. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September, underscoring the ICC's commitment to addressing alleged state-led atrocities. 

Emergence of the 'Kakampink' Narrative

In the wake of Duterte's arrest, a surprising trend has surfaced: individuals identifying as "Kakampinks" voicing concern over the perceived injustices against Duterte. They cite issues such as sovereignty, Duterte's advanced age, and comparisons to Robredo's treatment under Duterte's administration, where she was not imprisoned despite political differences. These individuals often preface their arguments with their unwavering support for Robredo and explicit disassociation from Duterte's policies, attempting to lend credibility to their stance.

Critique of the 'Kakampink' Defense

This phenomenon raises critical questions:

Relevance of Political Identity: Invoking one's "Kakampink" identity while defending Duterte appears contradictory. If the argument of injustice is robust, it should stand independently, without the need for political labels. This preemptive self-identification suggests an inherent weakness in the argument, relying on perceived credibility rather than substantive reasoning.

Inconsistency in Seeking Common Ground: Advocating for unity beyond political colors, while simultaneously labeling oneself, undermines the call for genuine discourse. The term "Kakampink" carries diverse connotations, and its use may alienate those unwilling to engage beyond entrenched biases, hindering meaningful dialogue.

Misplaced Association: Dragging the "Kakampinks" and figures like Robredo into Duterte's legal predicament is problematic. It subtly absolves Duterte by shifting focus, neglecting the principle that forgiveness without accountability perpetuates injustice. This deflection detracts from addressing the core issues of Duterte's policies and their consequences.

The Larger Political Context

Duterte's arrest occurs amidst a backdrop of political turmoil, notably a feud between the Duterte and Marcos families. Tensions escalated when Sara Duterte, Duterte's daughter and current Vice President, admitted to hiring a hitman to assassinate President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. This revelation led to her impeachment, further destabilizing the political landscape. 

Conclusion

The invocation of "Kakampink" identity in defending Duterte highlights the complexities of political allegiances and the pursuit of justice in the Philippines. While empathy is a human response, it must not overshadow the necessity for accountability. As the nation grapples with these developments, it is imperative to distinguish genuine calls for justice from narratives that may inadvertently perpetuate impunity. Ultimately, this discourse reflects the ongoing struggle between confronting past transgressions and navigating present political dynamics.

From Tough Talk to Seeking Shelter: Is Bato Dela Rosa Running Scared from the ICC?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Someone is obviously panicking that he's blaming everyone else, even the interviewing members of the media, but himself.

Bato keeps claiming that Philippine law enforcement during Duterte's time was working, yet records would say otherwise. His words all cursing and downplaying even the misery of the families of the victims of EJK.

A few days ago he said he is willing to surrender himself to the ICC, but now there is a report that he is seeking protection in the Senate to prevent his capture.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, once the stalwart enforcer of former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial war on drugs, now finds himself ensnared in a complex web of international scrutiny and domestic political maneuvering. His recent actions and statements paint a portrait of a man grappling with mounting pressures from various fronts.

From Defiance to Seeking Sanctuary

In a notable shift, Senator dela Rosa has sought assurances from Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero regarding protection within the Senate premises should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue a warrant for his arrest. Escudero confirmed that institutional courtesy would be extended, preventing any arrest within the Senate grounds, irrespective of whether Congress is in session. 

This development stands in stark contrast to dela Rosa's earlier declarations. At the "Tanong ng Bayan: GMA Senatorial Face-Off 2025," he dismissed the ICC's legitimacy over the Philippines, asserting that the court's investigations commenced post the country's withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. He emphasized his willingness to face any court's decision, provided it wasn't a foreign entity. 

Government's Stance on ICC Warrants

The Philippine government's position on cooperating with the ICC has been unequivocal. Malacañang, through Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, reiterated that the administration would enforce any ICC-issued arrest warrant processed via Interpol, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of stature, would receive special treatment. 

Duterte's Admission and Its Implications

Complicating matters further, former President Duterte, during a Senate inquiry in October 2024, admitted to maintaining a "death squad" during his tenure as Davao City mayor. However, he denied authorizing extrajudicial killings during his presidency's nationwide anti-drug campaign, which is currently under ICC investigation for potential crimes against humanity. 

Eroding Bravado Amid Mounting Pressures

Senator dela Rosa's recent actions suggest a departure from his previously unyielding demeanor. His request for sanctuary within the Senate and his criticisms of the ICC indicate a man under significant duress, navigating the intricate intersections of international law, domestic politics, and personal accountability.

As the ICC's investigations progress and domestic debates intensify, the resilience and strategies of those once at the forefront of the Duterte administration's policies are being tested. The unfolding events will undoubtedly shape the Philippines' political landscape and its engagement with international judicial bodies in the years to come.