Overview: A Nation Reassesses Accountability
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, shows a notable shift in public sentiment regarding accountability for the killings linked to the Philippines’ anti-illegal drug campaign during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Conducted from September 24 to 30, the third-quarter poll interviewed 1,500 adult Filipinos nationwide and revealed that half of respondents agree Duterte must face accountability for the drug war deaths.
The findings come as the International Criminal Court (ICC) denied Duterte’s request for interim release from detention in The Hague. He faces trial for alleged crimes against humanity connected to the same policy. ICC judges cited concerns about his ongoing political influence and the risks of witness interference or flight in upholding due process, even as humanitarian arguments from his legal team highlighted age and health considerations.
Key Results: Where Filipinos Stand
According to the SWS data, 50 percent of respondents agreed that Duterte should be held accountable for the drug war deaths, while 32 percent disagreed, 15 percent remained undecided, and 4 percent said they did not know enough to form an opinion. The margin of error for the poll is ±3 percentage points, underscoring a robust sample size that nationalizes the mood across major population centers.
Regional variations surfaced in the survey. Support for accountability was strongest in the Visayas (54%), followed closely by Metro Manila (53%) and Balance Luzon (52%). Mindanao, Duterte’s political stronghold, showed a lower agreement level at 39%. Analysts say this divergence may reflect differing experiences and political loyalties across regions, even as a greater portion of Filipinos endorse accountability regardless of location.
Why This Matters: Justice, Rule of Law, and National Healing
Stratbase Group President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit framed the results as a transition from popularity to responsibility. He emphasized that the data signal a broader public trust in justice and the rule of law as the indispensable foundations of democracy. “No one, not even a former president, should be above the law,” Manhit stated, noting that accountability is essential for truth, justice, and healing for thousands of families affected by the drug war.
Implications for Domestic Policy
Public appetite for accountability could influence how policymakers address past abuses and shape future drug policy. Advocates argue that the rule of law should operate independently of political power, reinforcing protections for due process and safeguarding human rights even in controversial security campaigns. The survey’s timing underscores a moment when international scrutiny collides with national introspection, potentially guiding reforms in victims’ assistance, investigations, and transparency in state actions.
International Context: ICC Proceedings and Domestic Consensus
The ICC’s decision against interim release reinforces the seriousness of the charges and the international community’s expectations regarding accountability. While humanitarian concerns about Duterte’s age and health were raised by his defense, the court prioritized considerations of political influence, witness safety, and the risk of evasion. The domestic poll results suggest that many Filipinos want the country to confront past actions head-on, aligning with a growing global emphasis on accountability even for heads of state.
A Path Forward: Healing Through Justice
For many affected families, accountability is not about political vengeance but about closure. The survey’s narrative—shifting from popularity to responsibility—signals a desire for a justice system that can withstand political pressure and deliver impartial outcomes. As public sentiment evolves, civil society groups, lawmakers, and judicial institutions may be called to translate the will for accountability into concrete measures that honor due process while addressing the harms caused during the drug war.
Conclusion: A Democratic Test for Accountability
With half of Filipinos backing accountability for the drug war deaths, the nation faces a democratic test: can its institutions maintain impartiality and enforce accountability, even when leadership and politics are at stake? The convergence of domestic survey data and international legal proceedings points toward a moment of reckoning—one that could redefine how justice is pursued in the Philippines and how its democracy heals in the years ahead.
