‘This is Karma!’: Fil-Ams react to Duterte’s ICC arrest
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NEW YORK — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest for justice regarding his controversial “war on drugs.”
This unprecedented action follows years of mounting evidence and allegations surrounding Duterte’s administration, which has faced severe criticism for thousands of extrajudicial killings primarily targeting impoverished communities.
“This is KARMA!” said Loida Nicolas Lewis, founder of US Filipinos for Good Governance, in her reaction to the arrest when reached by Inquirer.net USA.
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“What goes around comes around, except that Leila de Lima is completely innocent but has been jailed for nearly seven years, while former President Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity for his drug war, which has shocked the civilized world with its thousands of extrajudicial killings.”
“Duterte’s arrest demonstrates that nobody is above the law,” added Roger Santos, a Fil-Am community leader from New Jersey. He expressed hope that this arrest signals a move toward accountability. “This could bring closure to the families of victims of his extrajudicial killings during his anti-drug campaign while he was president of the Philippines,” he told Inquirer.net USA.
Ninotchka Rosca, a feminist and human rights activist, shared her thoughts on the situation. “I wish him a safe flight, a fair trial, and an evidence-based judgment. He should enjoy all the benefits that a democratic process can provide. I also wish him a long life to contemplate the dishonor of being the first Philippine president tried for crimes against humanity. Oh, and let’s not forget, the Netherlands has excellent universal healthcare. I hope Bong Go, Bato, and Michael Yang join him,” Rosca wrote on her Facebook wall.
Photo from Ninotchka Rosca/Facebook
However, Atty. Arnedo Valera, president of Hakbang ng Maisug USA, condemned the ICC’s actions, labeling them a violation of Philippine sovereignty.
Atty. Arnedo Valera / FILE PHOTO
“On March 11, 2025, the ICC issued an illegitimate and unlawful arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity. Unlike Russia and Israel, which have rejected ICC jurisdiction to uphold their sovereignty, the Philippines—under the consent of President Marcos Jr.—has permitted this foreign intervention, blatantly violating our national sovereignty,” said Valera, an international human rights lawyer.
In a statement sent to Inquirer.net USA, Valera further argued that “This arrest is not merely an attack on President Duterte; it is an assault on the Filipino people’s right to self-determination, justice and the rule of law. The Philippines has its own legal system, and the ICC’s actions undermine our ability to address issues internally. This is not just about one man; it reflects a broader struggle against foreign interference in our domestic affairs. We must ask ourselves: who benefits from this intervention? It certainly doesn’t serve the interests of the Filipino people.”
Valera also emphasized the implications of the ICC’s actions: “The Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019, removing itself from the court’s jurisdiction. Therefore, the ICC no longer has any legal authority over Philippine nationals, including President Duterte. By allowing this arrest, the Marcos Jr. administration has betrayed our nation’s sovereignty and surrendered to foreign dictates instead of upholding our independent legal system. This sets a dangerous precedent for future leaders who may find themselves subject to similar external pressures.”
Reactions from Duterte’s supporters have been equally vocal. Lawreen Borneo, a loyalist of the former president based in Queens, New York, expressed her strong disapproval of the ICC’s actions.
“My reaction to the arrest of FPRRD? It is illegal, unjust, unlawful, and ABSURD! It has been mishandled from all angles. There was no arrest warrant shown or given to FPRRD’s legal team; the CPNP TORRE was just reading the warrant through his cell phone! How can we determine if the warrant is real or just another fabricated document from the administration?” Borneo told Inquirer.net USA.
“I was emotional and devastated upon seeing FPRRD and his family illegally detained at NAIA airport right by the VIP passage! This is very disheartening. An 80-year-old civilian, who was once the PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, has been treated unjustly! There were no legal proceedings, nothing! This may even be an act of Martial Law!”
DDS Chairman Dr. Ernesto Pamolarco has also expressed his strong opposition to the arrest of the former president in a statement to Inquirer.net USA.
“I strongly denounce the unjust and unwarranted arrest of FPRRD. The actions of the Philippine National Police raise serious legal and constitutional concerns. Every Filipino who values justice, sovereignty, and the rule of law should be alarmed by this violation of due process.”
He emphasized that the 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, stating, “No arrest should be made without a warrant issued by a judge, based on probable cause. Former President Duterte was taken into custody without any legal basis, which is a direct violation of his constitutional rights.”
Pamolarco also compared the current situation to past abuses of power during Martial Law, asserting, “This is not just about political loyalties—it is about national sovereignty and the independence of our justice system.”
He concluded, “The ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines because our country officially withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. This arrest sets a dangerous precedent where individuals can be detained without clear legal justification. I urge all Filipinos to stand firm and demand accountability from those responsible for this blatant abuse of power.”
As the situation unfolds, Ruben Carranza, an NYU professor and senior official at the International Center for Transitional Justice, emphasized the ICC’s significance in a Facebook post.
Photo from Ruben Carranza/Facebook
“This is not merely a war on drugs; it is a war on the poor. The ICC’s decision to arrest Duterte sends a clear message that the international community will not turn a blind eye to state-sponsored violence,” he wrote. “The evidence indicates a systematic pattern of killings, and accountability must be pursued not just for the victims but also to deter future abuses.”
In a related development, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has received a petition from Duterte and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa challenging the Philippine government’s cooperation with the ICC.
The petition requests a temporary restraining order to prevent government officials from facilitating or assisting the ICC in any investigations related to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. The petitioners argue that the Philippine government’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 effectively terminated the ICC’s jurisdiction over the country and its nationals.
As the ICC moves forward with its investigation, questions remain about the implications for Duterte’s legacy and the future of human rights in the Philippines. The ICC’s jurisdiction allows for the prosecution of individuals for crimes against humanity, regardless of domestic legal proceedings. This means that even if Duterte attempts to evade accountability through legal loopholes in the Philippines, he may still face justice at the international level.
Supporters of the ICC’s actions hope this case will set a precedent for holding leaders accountable for human rights abuses, particularly in nations where domestic mechanisms have failed.
“Duterte is not above the law,” Carranza stated. “The ICC’s intervention is a vital step toward justice for the victims and their families.”
“Our justice system in the Philippines is alive and well,” said DDS supporter George Tacan from Staten Island in response to the situation. “We are a sovereign country with a capable justice department. The ICC should only be used as a last resort. Duterte, as President, had certain immunities to do what was best for the Filipino people.
The US and Philippine constitutions provide protections to presidents and judges during their terms. The Philippines is also not part of the ICC, like the US, Israel, and others. The ICC can only recommend enforcement through Interpol; it is up to the sovereign nation to relinquish individuals. Everyone has certain rights, including the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.”
