The recent announcement from the International Criminal Court (ICC) implicating two current Philippine senators as co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of accountability in the Philippines. This revelation underscores the complexities of governance and law enforcement within the context of Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, highlighting the urgent need for reform and transparency in the nation’s leadership. As the case unfolds, it serves as a pivotal moment for justice in a country grappling with the consequences of political violence.
Two current Philippine senators, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, have been identified as co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to documents released by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The announcement, contained in a document dated February 13, reveals that these senators are among eight current and former officials implicated in relation to Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs.”
Duterte’s legal troubles began when he was arrested in March 2025 in Manila and transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, where he remains in ICC custody. The 80-year-old former president contends that his arrest was unlawful and has vehemently denied the charges against him. The ICC has brought forth three counts of crimes against humanity, accusing him of direct involvement in at least 76 killings during his presidency.
Prosecutors have alleged that Duterte and his associates shared a deliberate plan to “neutralize” alleged criminals in the Philippines, employing violent tactics including murder. Dela Rosa, who previously served as national police chief and enforced Duterte’s lethal anti-drug initiative, has indicated that he fears arrest, prompting him to go into hiding. Go, who was re-elected in May, has been a close ally of Duterte throughout his political career.
As the prosecution continues to investigate the extent of involvement from senior officials, Dela Rosa has not yet commented, and Go remains silent on the recent developments. The inclusion of high-ranking officials in the ICC’s document emphasizes the systematic execution of Duterte’s anti-drug policies and the implications of impunity among those in power.
Notably, Kristina Conti, an attorney representing several families of victims, remarked that this disclosure marks the first time significant information has been publicly shared by the ICC. The documentation points to a meticulous orchestration of the drug war, extending beyond mere enforcement to a calculated practice of oppression.
Duterte’s upcoming four-day “confirmation of charges” hearing, scheduled to begin on February 23, will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. The ICC judges have so far dismissed arguments asserting that the former president is unfit to stand trial. Among the accused are former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who has a history of legal engagement in cases tied to the infamous “Davao Death Squad.”
Ross Tugade, an ICC-accredited lawyer from the Philippines, commented on the implications of naming former Duterte officials, suggesting that it indicates the ICC possesses substantial evidence to demonstrate a “criminal structure” that facilitated the alleged crimes. Overall, the trial presents a critical opportunity for justice and reform in a nation striving to address the repercussions of political violence.
As Duterte’s case progresses, the ICC’s investigation has reportedly allowed for an additional 500 complainants to join the prosecution, amplifying the call for accountability within the Philippine government. The world watches attentively as the trial unfolds, a testament to the enduring struggle for justice.
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