A POLITICAL science professor from one of Davao's top universities has raised concerns that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) may be politically motivated rather than grounded in legal and constitutional principles.
In a phone interview with SunStar Davao, Lindsey Espino, a longtime political scientist and professor at the University of Mindanao-Davao (UM-Main), said that political influences will inevitably shape cooperation within international organizations. While the ICC is an independent body, Espino noted that political perceptions in the country will always play a role.
"Politics will be a factor in the doctrine of cooperation within those international organizations," Espino said on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. "Even though the ICC is an independent international entity, the perception of political influence in our country will always be a factor."
Espino also said that secrecy and transparency are crucial in enforcing arrest warrants to ensure proper judicial procedures. While these principles are standard practice for both the ICC and local law enforcement, the professor pointed out that in Duterte’s case, political maneuvering—both by the current Philippine government and the ICC through Interpol—cannot be ignored.
Additionally, Espino highlighted the importance of public reaction, given Duterte’s enduring popularity. The government’s handling of potential mass protests could significantly impact the unfolding situation.
“The intramurals right now will be in the Philippine public opinion on how the government will handle if there will be a mass movement that will react to the arrest of the former president who remains highly popular,” he stated.
When asked about Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s recent cryptic social media post, which appeared to reference the ICC’s arrest warrant, Espino suggested it could indicate skepticism about the warrant’s validity. The post also hinted at heightened police activity at Davao International Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
However, the professor warned that if Duterte’s camp were to challenge the current administration under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., it could escalate political tensions, particularly given the strained relationship between the Marcos and Duterte families.
"As we witness this political drama unfold, it is clear that this issue will become one of the turning points in Philippine political history," Espino concluded. "Only time will tell how these complex political dynamics will ultimately play out."
The former president, who turns 80 this month, was taken into custody following the issuance of an arrest warrant related to his controversial "war on drugs."
Human rights groups claim thousands of people—mostly impoverished urban men—were killed, many in street executions.
Duterte was arrested at Naia upon returning from Hong Kong, where he attended a PDP-Laban event for Filipino migrants. He was transported to Villamor Air Base, the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
According to a Malacañang statement, Interpol Manila received the ICC's arrest warrant early Tuesday.
"He is currently in the custody of authorities," the Palace confirmed.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon served the ICC-issued warrant, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) handled security. Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), read Duterte his Miranda rights.
The ICC’s official process states that once arrested, a suspect is presented before a judicial authority in the custodial state to confirm the warrant’s legitimacy and ensure the detainee's rights are upheld. If a surrender order is issued, the individual is transferred to The Hague's Detention Centre, which operates under international human rights standards. DEF