The International Criminal Court (ICC) should respect the sovereignty of the Philippines and refrain from interfering with how former President Rodrigo Duterte handled the war on drugs. The actions taken during his administration were driven by an overwhelming desire to address a deep-rooted national crisis that had plagued Filipino society for years.

Under his leadership, many citizens experienced a sense of safety and peace of mind that had previously been elusive.

For the first time in decades, ordinary Filipinos felt secure in their neighborhoods, free from the constant threat of drug-related crime and violence. The reduction of street-level drug activity, the dismantling of drug syndicates, and the decline in criminality were tangible results that gave people hope for a better future. While the methods employed were controversial, many viewed them as necessary in the face of a drug epidemic that had devastated communities, families, and the very fabric of society.

The ICC has overstepped its bounds in questioning how former President Duterte handled the war on drugs, as the Court fails to fully grasp the reality of life for Filipinos prior to his presidency. Situated far from the struggles of everyday life in the Philippines, the ICC cannot possibly understand the depth of the suffering that many Filipinos endured due to rampant drug-related crime and violence before Duterte took office.

Before Duterte became president, the country was in the grips of a growing drug epidemic that was destroying families, communities, and the very fabric of society. Drug syndicates were thriving, and countless lives were lost to violence fueled by addiction, making people feel vulnerable in their own homes and neighborhoods. Filipinos lived in fear, unable to trust that their government could protect them. The impact on everyday citizens was profound, with communities held hostage by criminal elements that showed no regard for law or life.

Duterte’s strong stance against drugs brought a sense of order and security that had long been absent. While the methods may have been controversial, many Filipinos saw them as a necessary and effective means of restoring peace and saving lives. For the first time in years, citizens could walk the streets without the constant fear of drug-related violence. This sense of safety and peace of mind was something the people of the Philippines desperately needed and had yearned for, even if the international community cannot fully appreciate the gravity of the situation.

The ICC, in its detached view, cannot possibly understand how it felt to live in a society where drugs were tearing families apart and where lawlessness seemed to be the norm. The Court’s criticism fails to recognize the context in which Duterte’s policies were formulated—one of urgency, widespread fear, and a broken justice system.

Instead of imposing external judgment, the ICC should acknowledge that the Filipino people, who experienced the daily impact of crime and drugs, found a sense of relief and security under Duterte’s leadership. The real voices of the people, who lived through these challenging times, should be given more weight than external opinions that lack understanding of the true conditions on the ground.

The peace of mind and sense of security that Filipinos enjoyed during Duterte’s term should not be undermined by external forces that fail to fully understand the context of the country’s struggles. The Philippines, as a sovereign nation, has the right to determine how best to protect its citizens and address the challenges it faces. While the world should always strive to uphold human rights, we must also recognize that every nation’s approach to its unique problems must be respected, particularly when it has brought tangible benefits to the people.

The ICC should not disregard the voices of the Filipino people who, for the first time in years, felt safe in their homes. Interference in the Philippines’ domestic affairs risks undermining the legitimate concerns of those who, despite the controversy, felt that Duterte’s policies served to protect them and ensure their well-being.

We respectfully urge the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reconsider the ongoing case against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and release him from any unjust legal actions that have been initiated. We assert that the legal processes targeting the former president are politically motivated and do not accurately reflect his tremendous contributions to the Philippines and its people.

**Achievements During the Duterte Administration**:

1. **War on Drugs**: President Duterte made combating the illegal drug trade one of the key pillars of his administration. His firm stance against illegal drugs aimed to protect future generations from the devastating effects of addiction and the criminal syndicates behind the drug trade. Under his leadership, the Philippines saw a significant reduction in the influence of drug cartels, particularly in urban areas. Thousands of dangerous drug offenders were neutralized, and millions of Filipinos were freed from the grips of drug addiction.

2. **Fight Against Corruption**: Throughout his presidency, Duterte relentlessly pursued corrupt officials within the government. He implemented anti-corruption measures that resulted in the dismissal of high-ranking officials, including police officers, government workers, and military personnel, who were involved in bribery, embezzlement, and other forms of corruption. His commitment to clean governance won the trust and support of many Filipinos.

3. **Economic Growth**: The Duterte administration achieved notable economic growth, with significant improvements in infrastructure, employment, and poverty alleviation. His "Build, Build, Build" program saw the development of new roads, bridges, and airports across the nation, which provided millions of jobs and bolstered the Philippine economy. Under his leadership, the Philippines was able to navigate a relatively stable economy despite global challenges.

4. **Foreign Policy Shifts**: President Duterte’s foreign policy focused on strengthening relationships with neighboring countries while balancing ties with both traditional allies and emerging partners like China and Russia. His “independent foreign policy” approach empowered the Philippines to assert its sovereignty and pursue diplomatic relations that best served the nation's interests.

5. **Health and Social Welfare**: During the COVID-19 pandemic, President Duterte’s administration responded with unprecedented measures to protect public health. His government's support for frontline workers, social assistance programs for marginalized communities, and the swift distribution of vaccines helped mitigate the effects of the global health crisis.

**Public Satisfaction**:

Throughout his presidency, President Duterte maintained a consistently high approval rating, driven by widespread support for his policies. The Filipino people trusted his commitment to public safety, anti-corruption initiatives, and national development. A 2019 survey showed that over 80% of Filipinos were satisfied with his administration’s efforts in fighting crime and drugs. His no-nonsense approach resonated with millions who believed that his leadership addressed the deep-rooted issues of lawlessness and corruption that had plagued the country for decades.

Despite facing international criticism, President Duterte's policies were embraced by a large portion of the Filipino population who viewed him as a leader unafraid to tackle the most pressing problems head-on, even at great personal and political cost.

**Conclusion**:

We believe that former President Duterte's actions, particularly in his fight against drugs and corruption, were made with the genuine intention of improving the welfare of the Filipino people. These efforts have had a lasting positive impact on the country, and the overwhelming support he continues to receive from Filipinos reflects this truth.

As citizens of the Philippines, we request that the ICC release former President Duterte from further legal entanglements and allow him to continue contributing to the betterment of our nation. We stand united in support of his legacy, and we urge the international community to respect the sovereignty of the Philippines in determining the path forward for our leadership.

This petition aims to convey a strong and collective message from Filipinos who stand by President Duterte's achievements, expressing their discontent with external interference in national matters.