Filipinos closely monitor Duterte’s ICC case as opinions split on crimes against humanity

Duterte's ICC Case Filipinos Divided on Crimes Against Humanity

As the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against Rodrigo Duterte continues to unfold in The Hague, public attention remains intense in the Philippines. A recent survey reveals a stark divide among Filipinos regarding the charges against him, with nearly three-quarters of respondents following news about the ICC proceedings.

Duterte's enduring influence on the national psyche is evident, despite being out of office for three years. His legacy continues to shape public discourse and the historical narrative of his presidency. The survey highlights a pronounced regional divide, with Luzon showing stronger support (59%) for considering the charges crimes against humanity compared to the Visayas (37%) and Mindanao (28%).

The majority of Filipinos remember Duterte's declining health (81%), followed by reports of family visits at The Hague (53%) and the three counts of murder filed against him (50%). These findings suggest that, despite controversy, Duterte remains a dominant and polarizing figure in Philippine politics.

Regional Divide Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

The survey reveals a significant regional difference in opinions on whether the charges constitute crimes against humanity. Luzon respondents showed strong support for this view (59%), with North-Central Luzon respondents sharing similar sentiments (53%). In contrast, the Visayas region had fewer supporters (37%), while Mindanao had the lowest proportion of respondents agreeing with this view (28%).

Key Takeaways

• 75% of Filipinos are following news about Duterte's ICC proceedings.
• A significant regional divide exists, with Luzon showing strong support for considering the charges crimes against humanity, while Visayas and Mindanao have fewer supporters.
• Declining health is the most remembered aspect of the ICC case among Filipinos.

Conclusion

Rodrigo Duterte's ICC case continues to captivate public attention in the Philippines, with opinions sharply divided on whether the charges constitute crimes against humanity. The regional divide highlights differing perspectives on his legacy and human rights concerns surrounding his administration. As the ICC proceedings unfold, Duterte's influence on Philippine politics remains strong, shaping both public discourse and the historical narrative of his presidency.

About Pahayag

Pahayag is a corporate social responsibility initiative of PUBLiCUS Asia Inc., tracking public opinion metrics since 2017. Its commissioned research arm, Vox Opinion Research, has conducted surveys since 2007.

Note

• The PQ3-2025 survey was an independent, non-commissioned nationwide purposive sampling study conducted from September 27 to 30, 2025.
• The survey included 1,500 registered Filipino voters randomly selected from the market research panel of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with global operations and a regional office in Singapore.

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