Filipinos divided as ICC rejects appeal for ex-president’s release

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to keep Philippines’ former president Rodrigo Duterte in prison has sparked a range of reactions among Filipinos, from relief among victims’ families to outrage from loyal supporters.

On December 1, the ICC Appeals Chamber, led by Luz del Carmen Ibañez Carranza, unanimously denied the appeal requesting interim release for the 80-year-old ex-leader. 

Prosecutors had presented concerns about potential flight risk, possible witness intimidation and the insufficiency of proposed humanitarian safeguards. 

Among those cheering the ruling: relatives of victims of the so-called “War on Drugs”, many of whom broke into applause as the court verdict was read. 

For them, the decision offered a measure of hope that justice could advance — a signal that alleged perpetrators cannot simply return to the Philippines and evade accountability. 

“Thank you God, he didn’t get out! Thank you, thank you very much. This is a favour to my son,” said one mother whose son was slain during a War on Drugs operation in 2016.  

Human-rights advocates also welcomed the outcome as affirmation that “no one is above the law,” even a former head of state. 

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Refusal to grant release

For years, families of drug war victims have demanded answers. 

The ICC’s refusal to grant release — despite arguments of deteriorating health and advanced age — was seen as a necessary step to ensure a fair trial and safeguard witnesses. 

However, for Duterte’s supporters and his family, the ruling provoked anger and despair. 

“We really want him to be free because he is old,” one woman said to a News5 interviewer while crying.

“It hurts so much, Sir. But all I can say is that we should not give up and continue the fight,” another added.

Some described the continuing detention of Duterte as “inhumane”, arguing that legal proceedings should allow for compassion, especially given his health condition and voluntary surrender. 

The ICC verdict has not just renewed debates about justice and sovereignty, but also laid bare deep societal fractures over what many see as the enduring legacy of the drug war under Duterte’s rule.

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