EDITORIAL: Denied Asylum

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte, once the most powerful man in the Philippines, is now detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity.

But beyond the dramatic shift in his circumstances, one key development stands out—China, a country Duterte had repeatedly praised and aligned with during his presidency, denied ever receiving an asylum request from him or his family.

This denial is more than just a diplomatic statement; it is a rejection that speaks volumes. Duterte’s administration pivoted the Philippines toward China, downplaying territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea and fostering closer ties with Beijing.

He even publicly declared that he “loved” China and trusted its leadership. Yet when the ICC issued an arrest warrant against him, China was nowhere to be found as a refuge.

Whether Duterte actually sought asylum or not, the mere fact that China distanced itself from him is a glaring political reality. It suggests that despite his efforts to cultivate Beijing as a strategic ally, China was unwilling to risk its international standing by harboring a leader wanted for human rights violations.

In contrast, the ICC and the global community upheld their commitment to accountability, ensuring that Duterte faces due process.

This should be a lesson for leaders who believe personal alliances can shield them from justice. No amount of diplomacy, power, or influence can guarantee permanent protection when the weight of international law comes into play.

Duterte’s case proves that when the time comes, even the strongest political friendships may crumble in the face of legal and moral reckoning.

For the Philippines, this moment is an opportunity to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to justice. No leader should ever again believe they are untouchable. The rule of law must always prevail, both at home and in the international community.