Duterte in the headlines again as ICC scrutiny and legal challenges swirl around his controversial drug-war legacy; former Philippines president (2016–22).
Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, announced her candidacy for Philippine president, citing a commitment to serve amid ongoing legal issues and political rivalry. Her campaign comes as her family faces international legal proceedings related to Duterte's controversial drug war.
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court are pushing for Duterte to face trial on charges of crimes against humanity related to his drug crackdown from 2011 to 2019. Duterte denies the allegations, claiming his speeches urged lawful action and only violence in self-defense. The court is currently deliberating whether to proceed to a full trial.
The ICC has confirmed charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his deadly "war on drugs". Judges have found substantial grounds to believe Duterte ordered murders and attempted murders during his terms as mayor and president. The trial will proceed despite his defense claiming mental unfitness. Meanwhile, El Salvador is conducting a mass trial of 486 alleged gang members accused of over 47,000 crimes under President Bukele's crackdown.
Amnesty International's annual report criticizes US, Russia, and Israel for rejecting multilateral norms and escalating conflicts. It highlights abuses in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, and warns that leaders' actions are emboldening global predators, undermining decades of international law.
More than a dozen shots have been fired inside the Philippine Senate on Wed 13 May 2026 as law enforcement moved to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who has been sheltering in the chamber after an ICC arrest warrant was unsealed. Dela Rosa has been under Senate protective custody and has vowed to fight transfer to The Hague.