For six years, Rodrigo Duterte acted like a king. Laws bent around his will. Officials trembled at his fury. He ruled with impunity—ordering deaths, mocking human rights, cursing critics, and treating the Constitution like scrap paper.
Now, he sits alone in a detention cell in The Hague, no longer feared, no longer obeyed. Just another detainee awaiting trial.
On March 12, 2025, Duterte’s illusion of invincibility collapsed. After a last-ditch standoff by his family and lawyers, he was surrendered to the International Criminal Court. The man who once barked orders from Malacañang was flown out like a fugitive. Because that’s what he had become.
Duterte’s fall wasn’t unexpected. Foreign diplomats warned him for years: Stop the killings, uphold the law, respect human rights. He responded with rage—insulting ambassadors, threatening critics, scorning international norms. He believed the presidency made him untouchable.
But mortal power is not permanent. And history has no use for tyrant has-beens. Except for standing trial.
Duterte mocked the law. Now the law is getting the last word.
Worse, he once mocked God Himself, calling Him stupid to laughter and applause. But God is no fool. Justice may be slow, but now that Duterte is stripped of power, the timing feels divine.
Inside the ICC Detention Center, some believe Duterte may be unraveling. No crowds. No sycophants. No microphone. Just time—too much time—to sit with the ghosts of the dead and the silence of accountability. For a man addicted to control, this must be torment.
Is it justice? Some say it’s only the beginning. Others say it’s too little, too late. But one thing is certain: The strongman who thought he would die in power must now live with the consequences of his arrogance.
He mocked God. But it’s clear now who the real fool was.
