Duterte ICC Trial: Truth and Lies – Who Speaks for the Victims of Crime?

Duterte ICC Trial: Truth and Lies – Who Speaks for the Victims of Crime?

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 24, 2026

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The International Criminal Court (ICC) is grappling with the contentious case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, accused of crimes against humanity stemming from his administration’s “war on drugs.”

While the prosecution paints a grim picture of systematic killings and seeks justice for those allegedly victimized by the anti-drug campaign, a counter-narrative is emerging that questions the ICC’s focus and demands recognition for the victims of drug-related crimes.

The confirmation of charges hearing, which commenced on February 23, 2025, has become a battleground for competing narratives. The prosecutor’s evidence aims to demonstrate Duterte’s direct culpability in the thousands of deaths that marked his presidency.

Atty. Joel Butuyan, legal counsel for EJK victims, asserts that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has allegedly spawned “clones,” turning millions into “bloodthirsty disciples” who harass and threaten victims and their families.

Atty. Joel Butuyan, representing alleged victims of the drug war, delivered an opening statement framing the trial as a crucial step toward ending impunity and restoring dignity. He argued that confirming the charges was the only way to allow witnesses to testify and present evidence of the “horrible crimes” committed under Duterte’s watch. Butuyan went further, suggesting that Duterte’s supporters are victims of misinformation, needing a “truth vaccine” from the court.

However, this narrative has sparked outrage among some Filipinos, particularly senior citizens who remember the fear and chaos that rampant drug-related crime inflicted on their communities.

“Why are they protecting drug addicts instead of protecting the victims of these drug addicts?” one senior citizen asked, echoing a sentiment that resonates with many who feel forgotten in the rush to condemn Duterte’s methods.

These voices argue that the ICC’s focus on the alleged victims of the drug war neglects the countless individuals and families who suffered at the hands of drug addicts and criminals emboldened by the drug trade.

They ask: Where is the justice for those robbed at gunpoint, terrorized in their homes, or even murdered by individuals fueled by drugs? How can the ICC claim to champion human rights while seemingly ignoring the rights of those victimized by the very scourge Duterte claimed to be fighting?

“We urge Your Honor to dismiss these politically motivated charges, allowing Rodrigo Duterte to return to his family and restore hope to the Filipino people.” – Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, Opening Statement, February 23, 2026  

The defense team, led by Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, has seized on this sentiment, presenting Duterte as a leader who understood and responded to the fears of ordinary Filipinos. Kaufman characterized Duterte as a “unique phenomenon,” a leader who connected with the Filipino people by speaking plainly and addressing their concerns, even if his rhetoric offended international sensibilities.

Kaufman also introduced a controversial element, alleging that current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is secretly working to undermine Duterte’s legacy, funneling witnesses to the ICC while maintaining “plausible deniability.” This accusation, if true, would add a layer of political intrigue to an already complex case.

“One of these parties was boasting—boasting about how he was acting as the silent partner of President BBM, managing a scheme to funnel witnesses to this court while ensuring that he could guarantee President BBM’s plausible deniability,” Kaufman stated. “So it is indeed that Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set out to neutralize Rodrigo Duterte and his legacy.”

He challenged the prosecution’s reliance on Duterte’s inflammatory statements, arguing that words alone are insufficient to establish criminal responsibility.

He concluded with an impassioned plea to dismiss the charges, urging the court to “send Rodrigo Duterte back to his family” and “give back to the Filipino people their Tatay Digong.”

The ICC’s decision on the confirmation of charges will be a pivotal moment, potentially paving the way for a full trial and a reckoning for the alleged victims of Duterte’s drug war.

However, the proceedings have already exposed deep divisions within Philippine society and raised serious questions about political interference in the pursuit of justice.

As the trial progresses, the world watches to see whether the truth will prevail over what some allege are “cooked lies,” and whether justice will be served for all victims of a brutal chapter in Philippine history.

The question remains: Will the narratives presented by the defense prove to be a Pinocchio-esque fabrication, or will they offer a valid counter-narrative to the prosecution’s case? The ICC’s decision will have profound implications for the future of international justice and the accountability of leaders for human rights abuses.

The Duterte case highlights a critical dilemma in the pursuit of justice: how to balance the rights of those allegedly victimized by state action with the rights of those victimized by crime.

Judge Iulia Motoc adjourns the first day of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s hearing on charges of crimes against humanity.

As the ICC deliberates, it must consider not only the evidence presented by the prosecution but also the voices of those who feel their suffering has been ignored, ensuring that justice is truly served for all.

The court must also ensure that it is not being manipulated by political agendas and that its decisions are based solely on the evidence presented.

The legacy of Duterte’s “war on drugs” will depend on the ICC’s ability to navigate these complex issues and deliver a verdict that is both fair and comprehensive.

The confirmation hearing regarding the allegations against Mr. Duterte is set to take place from February 23 to 27. During this pre-trial phase, the prosecution, defense, and victims’ legal representatives will present their oral arguments before the ICC judges.

It is important to note that this hearing is not a determination of guilt or innocence; rather, the judges will assess whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with the case.