A new nationwide survey by WR Numero reveals that 59% of Filipinos believe the International Criminal Court (ICC) should concentrate on delivering justice to victims of the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, rather than focusing on the political rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
The survey, conducted from March 31 to April 7 with 1,894 respondents, marks the first public sentiment poll taken after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing trial at the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.
Support for ICC intervention is particularly strong in Metro Manila (70%), Luzon (68%), and the Visayas (65%). Mindanao residents, however, are more divided, with 32% in favor and 30% against.
Younger Filipinos, especially those under 30, were the most supportive, while backing was strongest among the upper classes: 70% of Class ABC respondents said the ICC should pursue drug war justice, followed by 67% in Class D and 56% in Class E.
The study also showed that 47% of Filipinos believe victims of the drug war have the right to turn to international courts when the local justice system fails them. Meanwhile, 29% disagreed, and 24% were undecided. Again, Metro Manila showed the highest level of support at 66%.
The findings come amid another WR Numero survey suggesting broad public support for the ICC to go after Duterte’s alleged accomplices—including Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief and architect of the Tokhang campaign.
