The recent unprecedented, unthinkable and historical arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Philippine soil has dominated both mainstream and social media for the past two weeks and will likely continue to do so until the case is resolved with finality.
The incident seems to put on hold normal daily life in the country as supporters of the arrested ex-president furiously and noisily heckle the BBM administration for supposedly surrendering our sovereignty to ICC.
Meanwhile, administration officials and supporters aggressively defend the ICC arrest, arguing it is the wheel of justice turning and the long arm of the law finally catching up with the former president. Purportedly, as a responsible member of the global community, the arrest is our country’s commitment to international justice.
How this event will ultimately play out is like watching a series on Netflix with the ending suspensefully unknown even if one fast-forwards to the last episode as the drama is a continuing chain of many seasons.
In the meantime, we should not let our national life be suspended or upended because of this single event as we are known for our resiliency as a people. Wild speculations, fake news and rumors about unrest within the military and police organizations because of supposed divided loyalties should not derail governance nor hinder government programs essential to the country’s development.
The aggrieved have the right to seek fairness and equity but must subscribe to the lawful processes aided by a strong, experienced and professional legal defense team, keep unwavering trust in the rule of law, and have deep faith in the ever presence of the Divine Hand throughout the proceedings.
The accused himself has declared his willingness and readiness to face the consequences of his official actions during his controversial war on drugs that killed 6,000-30,000 based on estimates by different groups. He claims he did this out of love for his country and his people and he assumes full responsibility for the execution of his order. He leaves it to history and the Filipinos to pass judgment on his policies and actions in the conduct of his unconventional war against drugs.
The nation must respect his pronouncements and let the machinery of justice work.
What adds drama and confusion to this messy affair is the involvement of politics because of the bitter breakup of the political alliance between the BBM and FPRRD camps prior to the ICC arrest of the latter.
Expectedly, the arrest has deep political, legal and social implications for the country. This is a test of the traditional concept of sovereignty involving state security and local judiciary against the authority of international law as the alleged crime against humanity took place before the Philippines withdrew its membership in the ICC.
For sure, there will be a rupture in the body politic as the accused claims a sizeable number of loyal supporters while a reported larger group of human rights proponents and the families of the slain victims celebrate his arrest as a triumph of justice.
There is a critical need for balance in this defining moment in history for the political combatants to carefully navigate this disruptive and chaotic affair and restore order so we can transition back and reengage with our normal routine.
As the divisive Duterte-ICC affair unfolds and the midterm elections draw near, political maneuverings and distractions will only intensify at all levels of the government. The risk is that, once again, national development would be sidelined.
Beyond the fate of one leader, the true challenge for our nation is to strengthen those institutions that safeguard and uphold the rule of law and accountability without political bias.
Democracy cannot thrive where justice is wielded as a political weapon. It must be rooted in due process, fairness and the consistent application of the law. As the nation moves forward, we must rise above division and remain focused on the urgent task of building a stronger, just, and prosperous future for all.