Windows26: Midweek Digest: Duterte’s confirmation of charges at ICC

Hi there, reader!

Today, we're starting this Midweek Digest. So let's get on with it.

Sept. 23, 2025, when it comes, will go down as a date of historical impact.

The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court has marked it for the confirmation of charges hearing on former President Rodrigo Duterte's crimes against humanity case filed due to his drug war, during which thousands of suspects were killed, reportedly for resisting arrest or fighting back at law enforcers.

As some social media pundits have noted, Sept. 23 also happens to be the date, back in 1972, when then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. announced his declaration of martial law on television — although the official document, Proclamation No. 1081, was dated Sept. 21.

That certainly stirred up both a lot of praises and protests from both sides of the political fence — the protests eventually tipping the scale with the People Power Revolt of 1986, which drove Ferdinand Sr. into exile.

Now, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his son, has also stirred up his share of praises and protests for allowing Duterte's arrest — the protests coming from his predecessor's family and die-hard supporters and the praises coming from his own supporters and maybe even his harshest critics.

Predictably, Duterte's arrest has also triggered a spike in hate content.

This may go on for a few days or weeks, maybe even months — until other big events crop up as conversational fodder before Sept. 23.

One such event is the May 12 elections.

The other is the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. That's happening after the elections, but even now it continues to feed discussions.

Still, if you're so fired up following Duterte's ICC case, here's a link for you: Highlights: Rodrigo Duterte's ICC pre-trial

This other link might help you keep a clear perspective on the case: Duterte's ICC arrest: Separating fact from lies

Meanwhile, here are some of the interesting stories we have for you today.

DOJ to SC: Duterte kin's habeas petitions moot. The petitions for a writ of habeas corpus filed by the children of former President Rodrigo Duterte have no merit and are now moot because their father has been turned over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of crimes against humanity for his bloody drug war. BY JANE BAUTISTA

Duterte defense counsel airs confidence; another falls ill. The lead defense counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed confidence that his client "will be acquitted" soonest, while hinting that questions about his arrest in Manila last week will again be raised. BY PDI STAFF

'Political noise' on mute for developers. Developers are opting to put on mute the "political noise" currently playing in the country and are instead focusing on making the property sector an attractive investment hub amid a challenging environment, according to Colliers Philippines. BY MEG J. ADONIS

BSP less optimistic on 2025, 2026 PH growth. The Philippine economy might grow slower than previously expected this year and in 2026 as high global commodity prices dampen economic activity, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. BY IAN NICOLAS P. CIGARAL

Recaptured Korean says he paid P14M to escape BI custody. A Korean fugitive has admitted paying P14 million to a fellow Korean and two Filipinos who allegedly helped him escape from the custody of three Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel after attending a court hearing in Quezon City. BY MARLON RAMOS

PhilHealth: Beware of rabies, avail of animal bite treatment package. In line with the National Rabies Awareness Month, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Tuesday encouraged its members to seek medical consultation for animal bite cases, reiterating that an animal bite package is available to them. BY DIANNE SAMPANG

EDITORIAL: Alarming shortage of pharmacists. There is no lack of knowledge of how serious the problem with the shortage of medical professionals is, but what is missing is the commitment to go beyond just wringing hands and take decisive action to solve the problem. BY THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

Other must-reads:

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Sincerely,

Alexander T. Magno

March 19, 2025

Alex Magno is the current News Channel editor of INQUIRER.net. He oversees the daily operations of the News Desk, ensuring the timely and consistent delivery of news stories to our valued readers.

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