The political implications of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest remain volatile at home. But on the international stage, it may be part of a calculated effort to realign the Philippines with global standards—at a time when it seeks not just to participate in global affairs but to shape them.
Still, this remains speculative. Whether this move is strategic, miscalculated, or somewhere in between will be clearer in the months ahead—both in Manila and in The Hague. In a surprising turn of events, Duterte was arrested following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. He faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his bloody “War on Drugs,” which allegedly led to thousands of extrajudicial killings across the country.
The arrest comes at a time when the Philippines is actively campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term. It also follows years of strained international reputation. The country formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019 after the Court began investigating Duterte’s drug war.
Since then, the Philippines has been criticized for its human rights record and perceived retreat from global legal accountability.
The ICC has continued its probe despite the withdrawal, recently rejecting the Philippines’ appeal to halt the investigation. This ongoing tension has kept the country in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, raising concerns among rights groups and international observers about its commitment to the rule of law.
The Duterte administration’s human rights record, combined with the country’s disengagement from the ICC, has stained its global reputation. Reports from the UN Human Rights Council and global watchdogs like Human Rights Watch have repeatedly flagged issues, including harassment of journalists, red-tagging of activists, and limited accountability for state violence.
Against this backdrop, the Duterte arrest—however politically charged—may serve a dual purpose: reaffirm domestic rule of law while signaling a shift toward renewed international cooperation.
A UNSC seat offers countries a rare platform to influence decisions on peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and global security frameworks. For the Philippines, it’s a chance to rehabilitate its diplomatic profile and counterbalance regional pressures.
Slovenia has already endorsed the Philippines’ bid, citing its commitment to international peacekeeping efforts. The endorsement adds momentum to Manila’s campaign and reinforces its diplomatic positioning.
The timing of Duterte’s arrest raises the possibility that compliance with the ICC is part of a broader international strategy. Cooperating with the Court strengthens the Philippines’ credibility as a rule-abiding state and potentially increases support for its UNSC candidacy. It’s a move that may trade short-term political discomfort for long-term global influence.
But beyond global optics, what’s the payoff?
A seat on the Council could bolster the country’s ability to respond to regional tensions, particularly amid China’s expanding presence in the West Philippine Sea. As maritime incursions escalate, a stronger voice in global forums could help Manila rally international backing in asserting its territorial rights.
