Photo credit: Veronica Duterte

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a critical juncture in the history of Philippine democracy. For years, the country has grappled with the consequences of his administration’s controversial war on drugs—an anti-crime campaign that, according to human rights organizations, led to thousands of extrajudicial killings.

Now, the legal system is finally being put to the test: can justice be served, and can the rule of law prevail without fear or favor?

This case is not just about Duterte—it is about the institutions that uphold justice, the rights of the victims, and the kind of democracy the Philippines aspires to be.

The principle that no one is above the law must hold firm. The legal process must proceed with fairness, ensuring that the former president has the right to defend himself, just as any Filipino citizen would.

However, the significance of this case goes beyond legal technicalities; it is about accountability, justice for the victims, and the country’s standing in the international community.

Justice Beyond Politics

Duterte’s supporters may argue that this case is politically motivated, a weapon wielded by his opponents. But such claims must not overshadow the fundamental question: Did crimes occur under his administration, and should those responsible be held accountable? The answer, in a true democracy, should always be yes.

Justice should not be selective. If ordinary citizens accused of crimes must face trial, why should a former president be exempt? Upholding the rule of law requires consistency, not convenience.

The legal process must remain independent, free from political influence—whether from Duterte’s allies seeking to shield him or from his critics hoping for retribution.

This case is not about political revenge; it is about justice for the thousands of families who lost loved ones in a system that often operated outside the boundaries of legality.

For years, the voices of these victims have been ignored. Mothers, fathers, and children who have mourned their losses now see a glimmer of hope.

Their pain must not be reduced to a footnote in political discourse. Their suffering is real, and their pursuit of justice is legitimate.

The Philippines on the Global Stage

How the country handles this case will shape its reputation on the world stage. The Philippines is part of a global community that values human rights, due process, and democratic principles.

Ignoring accountability would reinforce a perception that justice is optional for the powerful. In contrast, allowing the legal system to function as it should would demonstrate that the country is maturing as a democracy—one that does not shield its leaders from the consequences of their actions.

Other nations have faced similar moments of reckoning. From South Korea’s prosecution of former presidents to international tribunals holding war criminals accountable, history has shown that no leader is beyond reproach.

The Philippines must prove that it belongs in the ranks of nations that uphold justice, rather than those that enable impunity.

The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a test—one that will determine whether the Philippines truly believes in justice, or whether the rule of law remains subject to political convenience. The country now stands at a crossroads. Will it choose accountability, fairness, and democracy? Or will it allow impunity to persist?

The answer lies not just in the hands of the courts, but in the collective will of the Filipino people. This moment is more than just a legal battle; it is a defining chapter in the nation’s history—one that will determine what kind of democracy the Philippines will be for generations to come