The ICC, ICI and ICE of our lives

The happenings and news in this year 2025 in the Philippines have been dominated by three letters in the alphabet which are, C, E, and I.

- Ruben Almendras

It is almost a daily fare in the main and social media, and it's affecting the political and economic conditions of the country and the Filipino people. Aside from destroying existing political personalities and families, it will surely have consequential implications in the years to come on political institutions and businesses.The “ICC” is the International Criminal Court where former president Duterte is now awaiting trial for the deadly drug war considered as a crime against humanity. It has been months since he was arrested and the trial will be as soon as all the judicial appeals on jurisdiction and fitness for trial are resolved. The verdict is uncertain, but even at this time it’s affecting the Philippines political situation as Duterte still has political following and influence, which could upend the PBBM administration regardless of conviction or acquittal. We can be sure that the PBBM and the Duterte camps are doing their best and calibrating their moves while awaiting the ICC decision, as can be gleaned from the social media battle ongoing.