APRIL 24, 2026 — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, committing him to trial for crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder in connection with the government’s war on drugs. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I found substantial grounds to believe Duterte is responsible for killings and attempted killings during the campaign.

Following the announcement, members of the Makabayan bloc reiterated their call for the Philippines to rejoin the ICC. 

“It is time for the Philippines to rejoin the ICC. The Marcos regime cannot claim to support accountability before this body yet stand firm on not rejoining the ICC,” the group said in a statement.

They emphasized that justice should not be silenced: “Hindi dapat mabaon sa takot at katahimikan ang libu-libong pagpatay. Hindi dapat manatiling untouchable ang mga nasa tuktok na nag-utos, nag-udyok, at nagpalaganap ng kultura ng pamamaslang.” 

(Thousands of killings should not be buried in fear and silence. Those at the top who ordered, incited, and spread the culture of killings must not remain untouchable.)

The bloc also urged the government to cooperate with international justice mechanisms and ensure protection for victims, witnesses, and human rights defenders. They noted that accountability for mass killings is linked to broader issues of governance and impunity.

The trial, expected to begin between late 2026 and early 2027, will mark the first time a former Philippine president faces proceedings before the ICC. The development has sparked renewed debate on whether the country should rejoin the court, which it withdrew from in 2019.

As discussions continue, the question remains: Will the Philippines choose to reengage with the ICC and international justice, or maintain its current stance outside the court?

(Image: Philippine Information Agency)