Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing for an expedited resolution of his crimes against humanity case at the International Criminal Court (ICC)—not out of defiance, but out of a desperate wish to return home before time runs out.
Now 80 years old, the fiery ex-leader fears he could spend his final days behind bars in The Hague. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, revealed his emotional plea after a recent visit: “He said, ‘I am an old man. I can die anytime. But I want to die in my country.’”
Despite the looming legal battle, Duterte remains unshaken in his conviction that his controversial policies—including the brutal drug war that sparked global outcry—were acts of patriotism. “Everything I did, I did for my country,” Sara quoted him as saying. “Whether that statement is acceptable or not, I want it out to the world.”
A Legacy of Bloodshed and Defiance
Duterte’s presidency (2016-2022) was defined by his deadly anti-drug campaign, which human rights groups say led to extrajudicial killings of over 6,000 people—though some estimates suggest the toll could be three times higher. His fiery rhetoric, including public encouragement of vigilante violence, drew global condemnation and prompted the ICC to launch a probe in 2018.
Despite the backlash, Duterte remains defiant, insisting his actions were necessary. “Everything I did, I did for my country,” he told his daughter. “Whether that statement is acceptable or not, I want it out to the world.”
The Legal Endgame
Duterte’s legal team, led by British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, is preparing motions to dismiss the case and possibly secure his interim release.
Meanwhile, ICC prosecutors have handed over 181 pieces of evidence, though details remain sealed.
The case puts the Philippines in a difficult position: the country withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s orders, but the court claims jurisdiction over crimes committed before the exit. Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly stated the government will not cooperate with the ICC—yet the court could still issue an arrest warrant.
Will Duterte Ever Return Home?
The question now is whether Duterte will clear his name, strike a deal, or face trial abroad.
With his health and freedom at stake, this legal battle isn’t just about justice—it’s a race against time for a man who once ruled with an iron fist and now just wants to come home.
