he biggest dramatic chronicle Filipinos are following at the moment is that of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

It has undoubtedly eclipsed all the action sequences and thespian greatness in Batang Quiapo. The second season of Lolong with its powerhouse cast is no match to the by-the-minute development and fast-and-furious twist and turns of this international spectacle. And, yes, all the shipping, half-naked nubile men, chatty young women and their Gen Z issues in Pinoy Big Brother: The Collab Edition pale in comparison to this history happening and unfolding in these digital times.

There is much to learn from this Digong Duterte Drama Chronicle, especially the manner in which the ICC and its judges conduct their hearings and the order of its proceedings. When the pretrial happens in September, more learnings will ensue about the methods and procedures inside an ICC hearing. We will also witness the best and brightest lawyers from the prosecution and defense teams.

Duterte was arrested on crimes against humanity in relation to the alleged extrajudicial killings that transpired during the war on drugs campaign. In the photos and videos on social media and traditional news outlets, Duterte made his first appearance via a video conference call. He appeared different, the brashness and bravado gone. The man who once vowed to slap and kick the higher-ups of the ICC appeared meek, the contemptuous persona gone in just a matter of hours. Wow! This is only the beginning, and the drama employed is so finely-tuned!

Showbiz reactions

The entertainment industry being a politicized lot is a known fact. Ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest brings further divisiveness and has polarized show business to an all-new level.

Surprisingly, the more loquacious and woke artists are mum, choosing to keep their opinions to themselves as the drama takes its course.