Gen Z Filipinos lead collapse in support for Duterte ICC case

Growing disinformation in the Philippines and distrust in authorities could have led to a sharp drop in public support, particularly among Gen Z Filipinos, for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly war on drugs.

Only 32 per cent of Filipino respondents of different age groups approved the ICC’s move to prosecute Duterte in April last year, a month after he was arrested and flown to The Hague, according to a survey by WR Numero. In contrast, earlier findings by the polling firm showed 59 per cent support for the ICC’s case against Duterte.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity, involving 76 alleged killings that took place between 2016 and 2018 in the Philippines, including during his war on drugs launched at the beginning of his term in 2016, as well as in his time as Davao City mayor between 2013 and 2016.

Human rights watch groups have said the actions by the Duterte administration led to more than 12,000 deaths, with 2,555 killings attributed to the Philippine National Police. In comparison, the police recorded 6,252 deaths related to the drug war between July 2016 and May 2022.

WR Numero said the drop in support for the ICC’s actions was most noticeable among Gen Z Filipinos – those born between 1997 and 2012 – in its survey, with just three in 10 supporting its investigations, a sharp drop from 69 per cent in March 2024.

Among millennials, Gen X and baby boomers, the level of support fell to 33 per cent from 57 per cent, 31.5 per cent from 55.5 per cent, and 35.7 per cent from 44.7 per cent, respectively.