Ex-Philippine President Arrested, Marking the End of a Controversial Legacy

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the architect of the nation’s now-defunct POGO industry and the leader behind the controversial “war on drugs,” was arrested by Manila authorities upon his return from a trip to Hong Kong and flown to The Hague to face judgment. The arrest follows an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant accusing him of alleged crimes against humanity.

Duterte Will Face Justice in The Hague

The ICC case against Duterte stems from his brutal war on the drug trade, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users, often without due process. Human rights organizations estimated that Duterte’s actions resulted in as many as 30,000 people losing their lives during his regime’s bloody crackdown.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commented on the arrest during a press briefing, stating that the country was fulfilling its legal obligations. Marcos emphasized the nation’s respect for international law and confirmed that his predecessor would be held accountable at The Hague. However, Duterte’s lawyers have petitioned the Supreme Court, calling for his return to Manila.

Interpol asked for help, and we obliged. It is what the international community expects of us.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Duterte’s daughter and political heir, Sara Duterte, also decried the arrest as political persecution. She has vowed to escort her father to The Hague as he stands trial. Meanwhile, families of victims and activists are celebrating the arrest as a milestone for Philippine justice. They hoped the International Court of Justice would finally hold Duterte accountable for the mass killings during his rule.

The Former President Was Instrumental in the Rise of POGOs

Duterte’s arrest closely follows the downfall of another key pillar of his presidency, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry. During his term, Duterte was instrumental in the rapid rise of POGOs, which thrived under his leadership as a lucrative but controversial economic driver. The sector has historically faced allegations of unregulated activity, tax evasion, and criminal syndicate involvement.

As of the end of 2023, government statistics revealed that the industry had employed roughly 50,000 individuals, of which 25,000 were Filipinos and 23,000 foreign nationals. The firms primarily targeted foreign markets, operating in a legal grey zone. However, 2024 saw a dramatic shift as President Marcos spearheaded a blanket ban on all POGO operations.

With Duterte now facing trial at The Hague and the POGO era officially over, the Philippines is entering a new chapter as it seeks to move away from its legacy of violence, crime, and unregulated industries that defined the former president’s administration. However, Duterte remains relatively popular among Filipinos, which could complicate the legal proceedings.