MANILA, Philippines — A new layer of political tension has emerged following the call of former Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Greco Belgica for United States President Donald Trump to help facilitate the return of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to the country. Duterte is currently detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, in connection with cases stemming from his controversial war on drugs.

Belgica’s appeal reflects a growing sentiment among Duterte’s supporters who argue that the former president should be tried, if at all, within Philippine jurisdiction rather than before an international tribunal. For them, the issue is not only about loyalty to a former leader but also about national sovereignty and the limits of international intervention in domestic affairs.

However, the call also opens a broader and more complex discussion. The ICC exists to address alleged crimes when national mechanisms are deemed unable or unwilling to act. Asking a foreign leader to intervene in an ongoing international legal process raises questions about the balance between diplomacy, justice, and political influence. Can legal accountability remain impartial if powerful nations and personalities are asked to step in?

Critics argue that such appeals risk undermining international law and the independence of global institutions. Supporters, on the other hand, view the move as a necessary defense against what they perceive as selective or politically motivated justice. The situation highlights a recurring global dilemma: when does justice become political, and when does politics interfere with justice? As the world watches how this case unfolds, one question remains at the center of the debate: should international justice be subject to political intervention, or must it stand firm regardless of power and alliances? (Larawan: Getti Images, Greco Belgica / Facebook)