Rodrigo Duterte Has Been Arrested

 

The former president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested. The ICC issued a warrant related to drug trafficking charges. The warrant also changes the former president with directing the Davao Death Squad. The ICC claims that a thousand people could have been killed. The International Criminal Court's motives are not entirely altruistic. Certain countries are exempt from punishment, when there is evidence for human rights violations and crimes against humanity. Particular leaders are targeted in Asia and Africa, European leaders rarely are charged.  The question of jurisdiction is another concern. The Philippines is no longer an ICC member. The country withdrew in 2019. This brings into question the legality of this arrest. The ICC asserts that crimes committed when membership was active can still be prosecuted.  The argument is that the crimes were committed when the Philippines were part of the ICC. The war on drugs in the Philippines continues to have devasting social effects. It enabled law enforcement to engage in various acts of abuse and violence. The Davao Death Squad remains notorious for multiple killings. The ICC accuses the former president of direct involvement of DDS operations. According to Vice President Sara Duterte the former president was forced onto a plane and sent to the Hague. The domestic motivation is clear. Elections are coming up in the Philippines and Duterte was involved in political campaigning. There is a dispute between the Duterte and the Marcos family who want to dominate the politics of the Philippines. This arrest of a former Asian head of state will probably cause other countries to leave the ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will most likely not try to stop an ICC trial of Rodrigo Duterte, because he is a political rival.       

Sara Duterte Makes Assassination Threats Against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr

 

Sara Duterte the Vice President of the Philippines has made threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Asian country's two most powerful political families are now in conflict. Sara Duterte stated if she were to be murdered President Marcos would not be safe. A powerful struggle is occurring and it might escalate to violence. Sara Duterte also vituperated Martin Romualdez who serves as Speaker of the House. of Representatives. Allegations have been made about what Sara Duterte's office has done with certain funds. Sara Duterte could be subject to criminal charges. Removing her from office could cause complications. Upcoming elections in the House of  Representatives provide an opportunity for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to consolidate political power. Sara Duterte feels that the political alliance did not provide her benefits. As time passed the association between the two leaders became more contentious. The fall out also reflects another controversy. Attempts have been made to change the  Constitution of the Philippines. Some fear this would enable a return to dictatorship and authoritarianism. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. insisted the changes are not to increase power of the executive branch. Sara Duterte could use the anger related to the constitutional changes for her own political gain. The coalition is disintegrating, which makes the political life in the Philippines more turbulent.     

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Wins The Philippines Presidential Election

 

The Marcos family appears to have returned to prominence in Philippine politics. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has won the presidency. Certain observers might have been shocked by the development, but the result could have been predicted. The reason for the return could be voters might be too young to remember the dictatorship under his father. Other voters could have some form of nostalgia for the past. The transition to a democratic system was turbulent in the 1990s. During the campaign Marcos Jr. did not distance himself from the controversial legacy of his father's authoritarian rule. The general frustration the public has with corruption and the political establishment could have resulted in this election result. The democratic system has not been able to combat economic challenges, violence from the drug trade, or reduce corruption. The promises of the 1986 People Power Revolution remain unfulfilled. The fear among human rights groups is the return of oppressive government. What policies will be enacted remains unclear at the moment.