Rodrigo Duterte's presidency in the Philippines was marked by significant policy shifts and a controversial approach to governance. This article dives into some of the key cases and controversies that defined his time in office, providing an overview of the issues that sparked both praise and criticism.

The War on Drugs: A Defining, Divisive Policy

The War on Drugs was undoubtedly the most prominent and internationally scrutinized aspect of Duterte's presidency. From day one, he declared a relentless campaign to eradicate illegal drugs from the Philippines, promising swift and decisive action against drug dealers and users. This policy, while popular among some Filipinos who felt it addressed a critical issue of law and order, quickly became a lightning rod for controversy due to its human rights implications.

The scale of the anti-drug operations was unprecedented. Police were given wide latitude to conduct raids and arrest suspected drug offenders, and Duterte himself encouraged law enforcement to use lethal force if necessary. This led to a dramatic increase in the number of drug-related killings, with both police operations and vigilante killings contributing to the death toll. Human rights organizations, both domestic and international, raised serious concerns about extrajudicial killings and the lack of due process for those accused of drug offenses. Reports documented numerous instances where suspects were killed during police operations under questionable circumstances, often with allegations of planted evidence and falsified reports.

The international community responded with condemnation, with organizations like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) launching investigations into the alleged human rights abuses. The ICC's investigation, in particular, became a major point of contention between the Philippines and the international community, with Duterte withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in protest. Despite the criticism, Duterte remained steadfast in his defense of the War on Drugs, arguing that it was necessary to protect the country from the scourge of illegal drugs and that the end justified the means. He maintained that the police were acting in self-defense and that the deaths were a result of drug suspects resisting arrest. The debate over the War on Drugs continues to this day, with ongoing investigations and legal challenges seeking to hold those responsible for the alleged human rights violations accountable.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Investigation

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into the Philippines' War on Drugs represents a significant legal and political challenge to the Duterte administration's legacy. The ICC, which has jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and aggression, opened a preliminary examination into the situation in the Philippines in 2018, prompted by numerous reports of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses related to the anti-drug campaign. After gathering evidence and assessing the situation, the ICC Prosecutor requested authorization to open a full investigation in 2021, which was granted by the Court.

The ICC's investigation focuses on alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines between July 1, 2016, and March 16, 2019, the period when the Philippines was a state party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The investigation also covers alleged crimes that may have occurred after the Philippines withdrew from the ICC. The investigation aims to determine whether state actors, including government officials and law enforcement officers, committed crimes against humanity, such as murder, torture, and other inhumane acts, as part of the War on Drugs. The investigation has faced significant obstacles, including the Philippine government's refusal to cooperate and its attempts to block the investigation. Duterte's administration argued that the ICC lacked jurisdiction over the situation in the Philippines, claiming that the Philippine justice system was capable of investigating and prosecuting the alleged crimes. However, the ICC has maintained that it has jurisdiction because the alleged crimes were not genuinely being investigated or prosecuted by the Philippine authorities.

The ICC investigation has significant implications for the Philippines and for international criminal justice. If the ICC Prosecutor gathers sufficient evidence to support charges against individuals, the Court could issue arrest warrants and request the cooperation of other countries in apprehending and transferring the suspects to The Hague for trial. The investigation also serves as a deterrent to future human rights abuses and underscores the importance of accountability for serious international crimes. The Philippine government's non-cooperation with the ICC has been criticized by human rights organizations and international legal experts, who argue that it undermines the rule of law and the fight against impunity. The ICC investigation remains ongoing, and its outcome will have a profound impact on the pursuit of justice for the victims of the War on Drugs and on the broader human rights situation in the Philippines.

Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Duterte's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic also drew considerable scrutiny. While many countries struggled to contain the virus, the Philippines faced unique challenges, including a densely populated urban environment, limited healthcare resources, and a large informal sector. The government's initial response was characterized by strict lockdowns, curfews, and travel restrictions. While these measures were aimed at slowing the spread of the virus, they also had a significant impact on the economy, leading to job losses and business closures.

The government's approach to testing and contact tracing was also criticized for being slow and inadequate. The Philippines lagged behind other countries in terms of testing capacity, and contact tracing efforts were hampered by a lack of resources and coordination. This made it difficult to identify and isolate cases, allowing the virus to spread more rapidly. The government also faced criticism for its communication strategy, with inconsistent messaging and a lack of transparency leading to confusion and mistrust among the public. The procurement of vaccines was another area of concern, with delays and controversies surrounding the selection and distribution of vaccines. The government was accused of prioritizing certain vaccine brands over others and of failing to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all Filipinos.

The economic impact of the pandemic was particularly severe in the Philippines, with millions of Filipinos losing their jobs and businesses struggling to survive. The government implemented various social amelioration programs to provide financial assistance to affected families, but these programs were often plagued by delays and inefficiencies. The pandemic also exposed deep-seated inequalities in Philippine society, with the poor and vulnerable disproportionately affected by the virus and the economic downturn. Despite the challenges, the Philippines has made progress in its vaccination efforts, with a significant portion of the population now fully vaccinated. However, the country continues to grapple with the long-term effects of the pandemic, including the economic recovery and the need to strengthen the healthcare system.

Freedom of the Press and Human Rights Concerns

Freedom of the press and human rights under Duterte's administration were persistent concerns. Several incidents raised alarms about the state of media freedom in the Philippines, including the shutdown of ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcasting network. The government cited regulatory issues as the reason for the shutdown, but critics argued that it was politically motivated, aimed at silencing a critical voice. The closure of ABS-CBN resulted in thousands of job losses and limited access to information for millions of Filipinos, particularly in rural areas. Journalists and media organizations faced harassment, intimidation, and even violence under Duterte's administration.

Several journalists were killed, and others received threats for their reporting on sensitive issues, such as the War on Drugs and corruption. The government was accused of using social media to spread disinformation and attack journalists and human rights defenders. Human rights organizations also raised concerns about the shrinking space for civil society in the Philippines. Activists, lawyers, and human rights defenders faced threats, harassment, and even legal charges for their work. The government was accused of using the law to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression.

The passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 further fueled concerns about human rights in the Philippines. The law grants broad powers to the government to designate individuals and organizations as terrorists, and critics fear that it could be used to target political opponents and activists. Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the law, arguing that it violates fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech and expression. The human rights situation in the Philippines remains a concern, and it is essential to protect and promote the rights of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.

South China Sea Dispute

The South China Sea dispute presented another significant challenge during Duterte's presidency. The Philippines, along with several other countries, has overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, a strategically important waterway rich in natural resources. China's assertive actions in the region, including the construction of artificial islands and the deployment of military assets, have heightened tensions and raised concerns about freedom of navigation.

Duterte initially adopted a conciliatory approach towards China, seeking to improve economic ties and avoid confrontation. However, this approach was criticized by some who argued that it undermined the Philippines' territorial claims and emboldened China to continue its activities in the South China Sea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China, rejecting China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. However, China has refused to recognize the ruling, and Duterte's administration initially downplayed its significance.

In recent years, the Philippines has taken a more assertive stance in defending its territorial rights in the South China Sea. The government has filed diplomatic protests against China's actions and has conducted naval patrols in the disputed waters. The Philippines has also strengthened its alliances with other countries, such as the United States, to counter China's growing influence in the region. The South China Sea dispute remains a complex and challenging issue, and it is essential for all parties to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully, in accordance with international law.

Legacy and Conclusion

Rodrigo Duterte's presidency was a period of significant change and controversy in the Philippines. His policies, particularly the War on Drugs, sparked both praise and criticism, and his administration faced numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the South China Sea dispute. Duterte's legacy will be debated for years to come, but it is clear that his presidency had a profound impact on the Philippines.