Photo credit: Congress PH

It looks like former President Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called war on drugs might not have been just about getting rid of illegal substances—it may have been about making billions in the process. That’s the bombshell coming from the House Quad Comm, which is now looking to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to finally uncover the full extent of what they call a grand criminal enterprise.

The ‘Grand Budol’ of the Century?

House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun didn’t mince words:

“Para simple, ganito po: Bakit Grand Budol ang War on Drugs? Kasi hindi lang ito madugo—ito po ay isang bilyong-pisong negosyo. ‘Yung maliliit na nagtutulak, pinagpapatay, pero ‘yung malalaking sindikato, lalo pang lumakas,” he said.

Translation: The war wasn’t against drugs—it was a way to get rid of small-time pushers while protecting and empowering the real drug lords.

According to the Quad Comm, rather than stopping the drug trade, the Duterte administration’s approach actually drove up drug prices and gave more control to major syndicates. The result: a multibillion-peso empire that allegedly funneled profits into illicit businesses like Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Who Really Benefited?

Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, a senior vice chair of the committee, echoed these claims. He described Duterte’s drug war as a well-orchestrated scheme to maintain power, enrich allies, and silence critics.

“Napakasakit po nito dahil pawang tayo ay nabudol,” Acop said, referring to how many Filipinos believed the drug war was a noble cause—when, in reality, it may have been a massive deception.

Acop pointed out that while thousands of suspected drug offenders—mostly poor individuals—were killed, major suppliers and smugglers were left untouched. Testimonies from former police officials, including ex-intelligence officer Col. Eduardo Acierto, even name high-profile figures like former President Duterte, Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa, and others as key protectors of the illegal drug trade.

ICC Trial: The Beginning of Justice?

The Quad Comm hopes that the ICC trial will go beyond investigating the extrajudicial killings and expose the billions that allegedly flowed into the pockets of Duterte’s circle.

“Ang ICC trial ay hindi lang tungkol sa patayan, kundi sa bilyon-bilyong pisong kinita mula sa dugo ng mga Pilipino,” Khonghun emphasized.

This isn’t just about justice for the victims of the drug war—it’s also about following the money. If proven true, this could be one of the biggest political scandals in Philippine history.

The House Quad Comm is also working on domestic charges, pushing for full accountability, not just from Duterte, but from everyone who allegedly profited from this so-called war.

What’s Next?

With mounting testimonies, high-profile names being dragged into the controversy, and an international court taking the case seriously, this story is far from over. Will the ICC trial finally expose Duterte’s War on Drugs as a massive “grand budol” scheme? Or will the former president and his allies manage to evade justice once again?

One thing is certain—the fight for the truth is just getting started.