Duterte Supporters Storm the Supreme Court to File Petition Demanding He Be 'Brought Home' from The Hague

While ICC prosecutors were busy quoting Rodrigo Duterte's own words against him in The Hague on Monday, his supporters were marching to the Philippine Supreme Court in Manila to file a petition demanding the former president be "brought home." It was a split-screen moment that captured the deep divide tearing through Philippine politics.

The pro-Duterte group gathered outside the SC building even as Day 1 of the confirmation of charges hearing was underway thousands of kilometers away. Their petition argues that Duterte's continued detention in The Hague is unconstitutional and that he should be returned to Philippine soil — never mind that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC's Rome Statute back in 2019.

Inside the ICC courtroom, it was a very different scene. Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang spent hours quoting Duterte's own public speeches to build the case that his "criminal plan and intent were no secret." The prosecution played back statements like his infamous 2015 TV interview: "If I become president, you will all get wiped out. I will order your execution within 24 hours." And his 2016 address to soldiers where he promised to pardon anyone who kills criminals — complete with promotions.

Perhaps the most damning quote came from Duterte himself admitting on record: "I must admit that a third of the killings really happened" under his watch. The prosecution argued these weren't just bluster — they were orders, policy, and proof of a coordinated plan involving the Davao Death Squad, police operatives, hitmen, and a cash-per-head reward system.

With Duterte refusing to appear in court — claiming he's "old, tired and frail" — and his supporters trying legal maneuvers back home, the former strongman is fighting a two-front war: one in international court and one in the court of Filipino public opinion. Both battles are far from over.

Source: Rappler