Failure to act decisively will not only perpetuate impunity but also undermine public confidence in the justice system and further imperil the independence of the legal profession and access to justice.

We will not be silenced. We stand with Atty. Krissy Conti, the victims, and all advocates demanding accountability for Duterte’s crimes against humanity.

This is a unique opportunity to educate ourselves on the intricacies of due process, which victims of the “war on drugs” have barely enjoyed.

The arrest of Rodrigo Roa Duterte on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a significant step towards justice, as we step closer to a trial on crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines between November 2011 to March 2019.

The long-overdue arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a crucial step toward justice for the countless victims of his ruthless and violent “war on drugs.” It serves as a powerful reminder that no individual, no matter how powerful—even a former president—is above accountability. 

This March 8, we do not simply celebrate women. We stand with them, fight alongside them, and commit to the justice they demand.