THE ARREST of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 11 has prompted his staunch supporters and keyboard warriors to rush to his defense. The result? A buffet of hypocrisy, emotional appeals and legal acrobatics.
First is the claim that the incident is not a legitimate legal process but a “state kidnapping” by foreign forces. It was indeed a remarkable kidnapping that was broadcasted live on national TV, complete with cameras capturing the proceedings as he was read his Miranda rights in the presence of Atty. Salvador Medialdea, former executive secretary. Even former presidential daughter Kitty Duterte was able to update her Instagram followers with the plane that was used to supposedly kidnap her father. This is definitely a far cry from the shadowy abduction of some of the victims of the extra-judicial killings somewhere in a back alley, only to be discovered in abandoned streets, dumpsites, rivers or any convenient place where they can be easily disposed.
And the resounding chorus of the Duterte loyalists demanding due process? Funny this is now coming from the same people who have conveniently forgotten that the thousands of victims of Duterte’s extrajudicial killings were denied the very same thing: due process. Suddenly, as if having experienced some sort of an Epiphany, they now value this legal concept. According to the Philippine Human Rights Commission, the Duterte administration is linked to over 20,000 deaths during his drug war. These were carried out without trial or evidence.
Another classic appeal to the emotions is the supposed violation of Duterte’s human rights. For someone who mocked human rights and considered them “shit” in a 2017 speech, this is definitely one for the books. In his speech at the 1st Davao City Anti-Drug Summit, Duterte remarked, “Human rights? Human rights my ass.” This was essentially a mockery of the very concept of human rights. And yet, his supporters who responded in resounding applause complete with laughter, are now the latest advocates of these same rights.
What about the portrayal of Duterte as a frail, wronged, old patriarch? The same man who once publicly threatened to slap the faces of ICC officials, called UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard “malnourished,” and referred to International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda as “that black woman,” insulted them, and told them to “go to hell” is now the victim? In 2018, after the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC, Duterte said of the court, “I will never submit to you. I will not honor your subpoena. You can go to hell,” This is the strong, hard-hitting former president that his supporters want us to pity because of his age and health, and yet strong enough to run for Davao City mayor this May 2025?
Let’s not forget the call for prayer rallies complete with the lighting of candles. Duterte fanatics have organized prayer vigils, with the self-proclaimed appointed son of God Pastor Quiboloy even asking for divine intervention. How convenient it is from the same crowd that stood by, clapped and nodded as Duterte mocked God and the Catholic Church on numerous occasions. In a 2018 speech, Duterte referred to God as “stupid” for creating a flawed creation.
And of course, the call for “unity” that has sat well with their base. It’s hilarious to watch these same people now frame the ICC’s actions as a grand conflict between Team Kadiliman and Team Kasamaan. This, from the same camp that once celebrated the “Uniteam” as a symbol of national cohesion. As it turned out, the unity they sought and prided to defeat their opponents crumbled under the weight of personal squabbles, conflicts of interest, and outright political gamesmanship.
Do you still recall how in 2022, Duterte himself made it clear that he had no issues with Marcos Jr., saying, “I would love to see a Marcos return to power. I don’t see anything wrong with that.” The people who are now openly repudiating Marcos are the same people who moved heaven and earth to put him into power. Ergo, they have no one but themselves to blame.
It’s almost too easy to point out these glaring contradictions. You can pinpoint more, because as far as the Duterte supporters are concerned, legality is just a pesky detail when the man they adore is at risk. This only means their selective outrage is as transparent as their selective memory. And if I may add, hypocrisy, at its finest.
