CEBU, Philippines — Online petitions calling for the return of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte have gained significant traction within less than a day, with thousands of Filipinos, including Cebuanos, signing and even launching separate petitions for the same cause.
A petition on Change.org, initiated by pro-Duterte vlogger Sas Rogando Sasot, has gathered over 225,000 verified signatures as of this writing. Titled “Rage Against the Deception of the World! Free the Asian, Filipino Duterte!”, the petition argues against Duterte’s arrest by the Interpol based on the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 11 in The Hague, Netherlands.
“For years, the global narrative has been saturated with relentless propaganda targeting former Asian leader and Filipino president Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He has been vilified as a monster, a tyrant, and a symbol of cruelty—portrayed as a leader despised by most of his own people,” the petition states.
The petition claims that Duterte’s arrest was the result of a smear campaign, allegedly orchestrated in collaboration with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It further alleges corruption within the Marcos administration, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, president’s cousin.
“The Marcos administration never lifted a finger...” it added.
“Now, by surrendering Duterte to the ICC, Marcos Jr. would like to portray himself as ‘leader of a democratic country that is part of the community of nations’,” the petition reads.
The petition also highlights Duterte’s continued popularity, citing reputable Philippine polling agencies---Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia. According to the petition, Duterte ended his term with the highest net satisfaction rating of +81 in recent Philippine political history. His leadership was attributed to his campaign against drugs and crime, which reportedly made Filipino neighborhoods safer.
“During Duterte's time, neighborhood fears of Filipino people DRAMATICALLY WENT DOWN during his term. And now, under the presidency of President Marcos Jr., it steeply went up!” the petition asserts, citing an SWS survey.
The petition also features testimonies from individuals claiming to have been victims of drug-related crimes and others who praised Duterte’s impact on peace and order. Additionally, it disputes the ICC’s assertion that Duterte “continues to wield considerable power” despite no longer being President.
“That is absolutely false. Vice President Sara Duterte, his own daughter, has been impeached by the House of Representatives headed by the cousin of President Marcos Jr.”
The petition accuses the ICC of dishonesty, arguing that Duterte’s real influence comes from the Filipino people’s continued support for his leadership. It also refutes allegations that 30,000 individuals were killed under Duterte’s directive, emphasizing that the ICC's warrant does not identify him as a mastermind but only as an “indirect co-perpetrator.”
“Who is the main perpetrator? Who is the mastermind? Nowhere to be found?” the petitioner asked.
Furthermore, the petition states that Duterte prefers to be tried by a Filipino judge, in a Filipino court, and be imprisoned in the Philippines if convicted. It also raises concerns over the legitimacy of the ICC’s jurisdiction and procedural compliance regarding his arrest.
“The Filipino people watched the arrest unfold before their eyes on 11 March 2025, livestreamed. After Duterte was arrested, he was sent to Villamor Airbase, a military camp, where they were waiting for a chartered plane to the Netherlands. Then the plane left,” it added.
“Now, since ICC trials last long, and Duterte is now 80 years old, there's a huge chance that this Philippine leader will not die in his own land but in a foreign land. The gravity of this prospect is totally lost in the minds of ICC officials who think nothing but preserving their job, the longevity of their dwindling institution, and the good press they would be getting from this drama whose badly written script they already wrote a long time ago.”
A separate petition, now gathering over 11,000 verified signatures, calls for Duterte’s immediate return to the Philippines, emphasizing the need for Philippine sovereignty in legal proceedings involving its leaders.
“As Filipinos who value justice, security, and national sovereignty, we believe that any legal proceedings concerning our leaders should be handled by our own judicial system - not by foreign courts like the International Criminal Court (ICC),” the petition states.
Another petition from Cebu, with over 3,600 signatures, similarly advocates for Duterte’s return, arguing that his prosecution abroad is unjust.
Additionally, a British national living in the UK with a Filipino family has launched a separate petition urging the ICC to ensure fairness in Duterte’s trial. This petition has so far gained support from 64,246 people.
“Allow President Duterte, like any other defendant before the court, the opportunity to defend himself while having access to his necessary medical team and carers during the course of the trial,” the petition reads.
Initial court appearance
Duterte was scheduled for his initial appearance before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I at 9 p.m. last night. Philippine authorities, acting on a notification from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), served Duterte with an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity over his controversial drug war, which led to thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings.
The former president appointed former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea as one of his legal counsels at the ICC. Medialdea is expected to be joined by another former Palace official, Atty. Harry Roque.
The former president also asked for the assistance of the ICC's Office of Public Counsel for the Defence.
The Office of Public Counsel for the Defence is an independent body within the ICC that promotes and represents the rights of the defence. It provides legal support to defendants and their teams, ensuring an "equality of arms" throughout all stages of investigation and trial. The office consists of specialized lawyers who can provide immediate legal assistance to defendants while maintaining independence in their substantive functions.
Duterte was arrested by local authorities acting on an Interpol red notice alert at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday after arriving from Hong Kong.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte expressed gratitude to those supporting his father and urged vigilance among their supporters.
Beyond online petitions, Duterte supporters have organized noise barrages, caravans, unity rides, and prayer rallies across the country. Demonstrations are also set to take place in various locations in Cebu, including Mabolo, Cebu City, Carcar, Bantayan, and Asturias.(CEBU NEWS)