THOUSANDS of supporters of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) have launched an online petition through the website change.org, urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to bring him back to the Philippines. The petition comes as Duterte faces charges related to his controversial "war on drugs."
The former president made his first appearance before the ICC on March 14, 2025.
The online campaign, titled “Rage Against the Deception of the World! Free the Asian, Filipino Duterte!”, with link www.change.org/p/rage-against-the-deception-of-the-world-free-the-asian-filipino-duterte has rapidly gained traction, with over 470,000 verified signatures as of 6 p.m. of March 19.
The website change.org claims to be the “world's platform for change, helping people everywhere to start campaigns, mobilize supporters, and work with decision-makers to drive solutions.”
The petition advocates for Duterte’s release and calls for the Philippine government to exercise sovereignty and due process in handling the case.
In addition to the petition, Duterte’s supporters have flooded the ICC's Facebook page, voicing their displeasure over the charges. The posts have gained significant attention, with thousands of comments, many condemning the case as “unethical” and “unjustifiable.”
Supporters are rallying behind their former leader, expressing their admiration during his time in office.
“Bring him back to the Philippines. Let the Philippine Government exercise sovereignty and due process. The Filipino people, not only in the Philippines but worldwide, love him for what he did for his country,” one supporter wrote. “Look at what this man did for his beloved country, do your research, and you’ll see how he became the greatest president the Philippines ever had.”
Other comments echoed similar sentiments. “Bring Former President Duterte home,” one supporter said. “He is a great leader. He is our beloved president.” Another added, “Please bring our best president back to our country. His actions led us to become a better country during his term.”
According to the change.org’s methodology, an individual can only sign once as they do not allow multiple accounts. They confirm the signature via the individual’s email. This is to “maintain the integrity of the platform and ensure that signatures represent real individuals supporting a cause.”
Duterte, who was arrested in connection with the ICC's investigation into his administration’s war on drugs, addressed his supporters on March 11, assuring them that he is prepared to face any charges.
“I will face the court with my head held high,” Duterte stated. “Everything I did was for my country and the Filipino people.”
Despite the growing online protest, the ICC has not yet responded officially to the widespread clamor to bring Duterte back to the Philippines.
The court's Facebook page post has garnered significant attention, with 112,000 likes, 8,400 shares, and over 111,000 comments.
The former Philippine president remains in the custody of the European-based criminal court in The Hague, Netherlands, as legal proceedings continue. Trish Anore, DORSU Intern
