The Hague And Davao City: The Competing Jurisdictions Facing Duterte

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.3

Share

The Hague and Davao City: The Competing Jurisdictions Facing Duterte's Legacy

Rodrigo Duterte's presidency left a complex and controversial legacy, marked by a brutal war on drugs and a strained relationship with international institutions. This legacy is now being challenged on multiple fronts, most notably through the competing jurisdictions of The Hague and Davao City. Understanding this dynamic is crucial to grasping the full impact of Duterte's years in power and the ongoing ramifications for the Philippines.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) and The Hague

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has launched an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte's "war on drugs." The ICC's preliminary examination concluded there were reasonable grounds to believe that crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court were committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. This investigation focuses on the widespread killings of suspected drug users and dealers, raising concerns about due process and human rights violations. [Link to ICC website regarding the Philippines investigation]

The Duterte administration initially withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, attempting to shield itself from international scrutiny. However, the ICC maintains its jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed while the Philippines was a member state. This legal battle adds a significant layer of complexity to the situation, highlighting the conflict between national sovereignty and international justice. The ongoing investigation in The Hague represents a significant challenge to Duterte's legacy and the impunity enjoyed by those implicated in the drug war.

Davao City: A Bastion of Duterte's Influence

Davao City, Duterte's hometown and where he served as mayor for many years, offers a contrasting perspective. It served as a testing ground for many of his policies, including his tough-on-crime approach. While the ICC focuses on the national scale of the drug war, Davao City provides a microcosm of the policies and practices under investigation. [Link to a news article about Davao City's history and Duterte's time as mayor]

Many argue that the experiences and practices in Davao City during Duterte's mayorship directly informed his national policies. Understanding the city's governance and its approach to crime during that period is crucial to analyzing the national-level drug war. Analyzing Davao City's experience allows for a deeper understanding of the context surrounding the accusations faced by Duterte and his administration.

The Competing Narratives and the Future

The contrasting narratives emanating from The Hague and Davao City represent a significant struggle for historical and legal interpretation. The ICC seeks to hold individuals accountable for international crimes, while Davao City, and its supporters, often portray a different narrative, emphasizing order and security achieved through decisive action.

This tension reflects a broader global debate on the balance between national sovereignty, international justice, and accountability for human rights abuses. The outcome of the ICC investigation will significantly shape the narrative surrounding Duterte's legacy, impacting not only the Philippines but also setting precedents for international criminal justice. The ongoing legal battles and the contrasting narratives highlight the complexities of achieving justice in the face of powerful political actors and deeply entrenched systems.

Conclusion: A Legacy Under Scrutiny

The competing jurisdictions of The Hague and Davao City highlight the multifaceted challenges in assessing Rodrigo Duterte's legacy. The international investigation in The Hague represents a powerful challenge to the impunity that often accompanies such large-scale human rights violations. Meanwhile, the local context of Davao City offers a complex counterpoint, demanding a nuanced understanding of the policies and practices that shaped the "war on drugs." The future will depend on the legal outcomes and the ongoing efforts to reconcile justice, accountability, and national reconciliation in the Philippines.