Ex-Kakampinks Defend Duterte? The Shocking Lies and Deceit in Philippine Politics!

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In the charged political landscape of the Philippines, a new narrative has emerged: self-proclaimed "Kakampinks"—supporters of former Vice President Leni Robredo—expressing unexpected sympathy for former President Rodrigo Duterte amidst his recent arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This development has sparked intense debate, challenging the boundaries of political allegiance and justice.

The Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte

On March 13, 2025, Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's main airport on charges of crimes against humanity related to his notorious "war on drugs." This arrest followed a secret warrant issued by the ICC, marking a significant moment in international justice. Duterte, en route to The Hague, accepted responsibility for his anti-drug campaign, stating his readiness to face the legal process. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September, underscoring the ICC's commitment to addressing alleged state-led atrocities. 

Emergence of the 'Kakampink' Narrative

In the wake of Duterte's arrest, a surprising trend has surfaced: individuals identifying as "Kakampinks" voicing concern over the perceived injustices against Duterte. They cite issues such as sovereignty, Duterte's advanced age, and comparisons to Robredo's treatment under Duterte's administration, where she was not imprisoned despite political differences. These individuals often preface their arguments with their unwavering support for Robredo and explicit disassociation from Duterte's policies, attempting to lend credibility to their stance.

Critique of the 'Kakampink' Defense

This phenomenon raises critical questions:

Relevance of Political Identity: Invoking one's "Kakampink" identity while defending Duterte appears contradictory. If the argument of injustice is robust, it should stand independently, without the need for political labels. This preemptive self-identification suggests an inherent weakness in the argument, relying on perceived credibility rather than substantive reasoning.

Inconsistency in Seeking Common Ground: Advocating for unity beyond political colors, while simultaneously labeling oneself, undermines the call for genuine discourse. The term "Kakampink" carries diverse connotations, and its use may alienate those unwilling to engage beyond entrenched biases, hindering meaningful dialogue.

Misplaced Association: Dragging the "Kakampinks" and figures like Robredo into Duterte's legal predicament is problematic. It subtly absolves Duterte by shifting focus, neglecting the principle that forgiveness without accountability perpetuates injustice. This deflection detracts from addressing the core issues of Duterte's policies and their consequences.

The Larger Political Context

Duterte's arrest occurs amidst a backdrop of political turmoil, notably a feud between the Duterte and Marcos families. Tensions escalated when Sara Duterte, Duterte's daughter and current Vice President, admitted to hiring a hitman to assassinate President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. This revelation led to her impeachment, further destabilizing the political landscape. 

Conclusion

The invocation of "Kakampink" identity in defending Duterte highlights the complexities of political allegiances and the pursuit of justice in the Philippines. While empathy is a human response, it must not overshadow the necessity for accountability. As the nation grapples with these developments, it is imperative to distinguish genuine calls for justice from narratives that may inadvertently perpetuate impunity. Ultimately, this discourse reflects the ongoing struggle between confronting past transgressions and navigating present political dynamics.

From Tough Talk to Seeking Shelter: Is Bato Dela Rosa Running Scared from the ICC?

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Someone is obviously panicking that he's blaming everyone else, even the interviewing members of the media, but himself.

Bato keeps claiming that Philippine law enforcement during Duterte's time was working, yet records would say otherwise. His words all cursing and downplaying even the misery of the families of the victims of EJK.

A few days ago he said he is willing to surrender himself to the ICC, but now there is a report that he is seeking protection in the Senate to prevent his capture.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, once the stalwart enforcer of former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial war on drugs, now finds himself ensnared in a complex web of international scrutiny and domestic political maneuvering. His recent actions and statements paint a portrait of a man grappling with mounting pressures from various fronts.

From Defiance to Seeking Sanctuary

In a notable shift, Senator dela Rosa has sought assurances from Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero regarding protection within the Senate premises should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue a warrant for his arrest. Escudero confirmed that institutional courtesy would be extended, preventing any arrest within the Senate grounds, irrespective of whether Congress is in session. 

This development stands in stark contrast to dela Rosa's earlier declarations. At the "Tanong ng Bayan: GMA Senatorial Face-Off 2025," he dismissed the ICC's legitimacy over the Philippines, asserting that the court's investigations commenced post the country's withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. He emphasized his willingness to face any court's decision, provided it wasn't a foreign entity. 

Government's Stance on ICC Warrants

The Philippine government's position on cooperating with the ICC has been unequivocal. Malacañang, through Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, reiterated that the administration would enforce any ICC-issued arrest warrant processed via Interpol, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of stature, would receive special treatment. 

Duterte's Admission and Its Implications

Complicating matters further, former President Duterte, during a Senate inquiry in October 2024, admitted to maintaining a "death squad" during his tenure as Davao City mayor. However, he denied authorizing extrajudicial killings during his presidency's nationwide anti-drug campaign, which is currently under ICC investigation for potential crimes against humanity. 

Eroding Bravado Amid Mounting Pressures

Senator dela Rosa's recent actions suggest a departure from his previously unyielding demeanor. His request for sanctuary within the Senate and his criticisms of the ICC indicate a man under significant duress, navigating the intricate intersections of international law, domestic politics, and personal accountability.

As the ICC's investigations progress and domestic debates intensify, the resilience and strategies of those once at the forefront of the Duterte administration's policies are being tested. The unfolding events will undoubtedly shape the Philippines' political landscape and its engagement with international judicial bodies in the years to come.

A Nation at a Crossroads: Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial Pushes Forward Amid ICC Turmoil

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As the Philippines braces for one of its most politically charged moments in recent history, Senate President Chiz Escudero has assured the public that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will push through as planned, despite the intensifying probe by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The highly anticipated trial, set to begin on June 2 and expected to last six months, comes at a time when the Duterte family finds itself at the center of both local and international legal battles. With the ICC investigation gaining momentum and the possibility of an arrest warrant looming over Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the former chief architect of the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, the nation is on edge, waiting to see how these events will unfold.

A Legal Storm Unfolds

Escudero made it clear that no external factor—be it the ICC probe or mass protests—would derail the Senate from its constitutional duty.

"Wala sa batas na ipapaliban namin ang impeachment dahil may ICC. Wala sa batas na ipapaliban namin ang impeachment dahil may kilos protesta," he stated firmly.

His words underscore a critical message: the impeachment process will be insulated from political noise and will move forward as mandated by law. Whether or not the ICC’s findings impact the trial remains to be seen, but Escudero insists that the two matters are separate.

"Whether nagsabay o hindi, wala namang nakasulat na batas na bawal magsabay," he added, signaling that the Senate would not allow the ICC investigation to dictate the pace of domestic proceedings.

The Duterte Defense and a Divided Nation

Adding to the political drama, Vice President Sara Duterte has openly declared her involvement in her father’s defense team against the ICC. Her decision to stand by the former president has only deepened the divide between her allies and critics. While her impeachment trial is centered on separate allegations, many see it as part of a broader reckoning for the Duterte era.

Meanwhile, the possibility of an ICC arrest warrant against Senator Bato Dela Rosa has raised further complications. Escudero assured that the Senate would not allow his arrest within its premises but acknowledged that law enforcement agencies might still act outside Senate grounds.

The uncertainty surrounding Dela Rosa’s fate adds another layer of complexity to the political crisis. Will the former PNP chief, once hailed as Duterte’s fiercest enforcer, face international justice? Or will political maneuvering shield him from accountability?

A Test of the Senate’s Independence

Beyond the legal battles, the impeachment trial will serve as a litmus test for the integrity of the Philippine Senate. The Duterte family has long commanded strong political influence, and any hint of bias—whether for or against the Vice President—could shatter public trust in the institution.

Escudero has sought to allay concerns by reiterating the Senate’s commitment to impartiality.

"Hindi namin isasaalang-alang ang pulitika sa pagpapatupad ng aming tungkulin. May kanya-kanyang papel ang bawat sangay ng gobyerno, at tutuparin namin ang sa amin," he declared.

With the trial expected to conclude before December, the months ahead will be pivotal in shaping the political landscape. If found guilty, Vice President Duterte’s removal could dramatically shift the country’s power dynamics, leaving a void in leadership that could either pave the way for political renewal or further deepen existing divisions.

The Road Ahead

As the impeachment trial looms, the Duterte family stands at a precarious juncture, facing simultaneous legal battles on multiple fronts. The coming months will not only determine Vice President Sara Duterte’s political future but will also define the nation’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

Will the Senate prove its independence and uphold due process? Or will political allegiances and power struggles overshadow the pursuit of truth?

One thing is certain: the world will be watching.