Duterte's ICC Trial Sparks Political Division

Following the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, 2025, and his transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, a wave of disinformation and political division has emerged in the Philippines. The arrest, marking the first time an Asian former head of state faces trial at the ICC, has prompted the Philippine Senate, led by Senator Imee Marcos, to conduct a formal inquiry into whether due process was followed and Duterte's legal rights were protected, with hearings scheduled for March 20. Dramatic footage of Duterte's arrest shows him questioning authorities before being handcuffed and flown to The Hague. These hearings coincide with legislative efforts by the House Tri-Committee to address online disinformation, as numerous pro-Duterte vloggers and influencers attended a related hearing for the first time. These developments underscore the political tension and challenges of regulating disinformation in the context of Duterte's controversial presidency and subsequent legal proceedings.