MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla expressed strong dismay over the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) ongoing confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte, which is being held outside the Philippines. The first day of proceedings reportedly included photographs showing Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, among other individuals, described as “co-perpetrators.”

In a candid reaction, Padilla questioned the legitimacy and emotional impact of being tried in a foreign court. “Hini-hearing tayo sa ibang bansa? My goodness… Masakit para sa akin na tayong mga Pilipino, tina-trial sa ibang bansa,” he said, highlighting a sense of national pride intertwined with legal concern.

The senator’s reaction underscores a broader debate about sovereignty, accountability, and the role of international justice. For many Filipinos, ICC proceedings represent a crucial avenue for addressing alleged human rights violations that domestic mechanisms have struggled to resolve. Yet, the notion of being examined and potentially judged in an international forum can feel like a public exposure of national shortcomings, stirring both defensiveness and reflection.

Legal experts note that the ICC operates under international law and focuses on crimes that transcend national jurisdictions, particularly when domestic remedies are insufficient or compromised. Still, the emotional and political weight of such proceedings remains deeply sensitive for those involved and the public alike. As the ICC moves forward, the situation raises a critical question for the nation: Can international justice coexist with national pride, or does it inevitably create tension between accountability and sovereignty? (Larawan mula sa: Robin Padilla / Facebook, ICC)