After the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a political analyst said that the latter’s camp may be heading towards an imminent collapse.
In an exclusive interview for DZRH Stories on Sunday, March 16, Political Analyst and International Studies Professor Renato De Castro emphasized how Duterte’s political movement greatly benefitted from the latter’s charisma. The professor suggested that chances for an organized political movement remain low.
According to De Castro, this is because a leader’s charisma is unique. Therefore, it is not something that can be passed down to anyone. The political movement’s core relies on its leader and has no political machinery.
“A political movement led by a populist leader, wala ‘yan political machinery. Once ni-remove mo ‘yan everything emanates from the center, and of course, driven or bound together by the charismatic personality of the leader,” De Castro highlighted.
“Pag inalis ho ‘yan, talagang magkakaroon ng vacuum in the middle. Usually what would happen, the movement would collapse unless mayroon hong papalit sa kanya,” he added.
Meanwhile, De Castro discussed the intricacies surrounding Duterte’s arrest, specifically the process and cooperation between the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol and the ICC.
A Sovereign Prerogative
Although the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC, De Castro highlighted the country is still part of the Interpol. Therefore, the country must cooperate with the agency if the ICC orders the arrest.
“Meron pa din po tayong obligasyon na kung i-issue ng ICC yung warrant sa Interpol. Kasi member pa ho tayo ng Interpol kaya ginawa ho natin ‘yan,” he said.
“Yung usapin ho kung babalik pa tayo sa ICC, judgement call na ‘yan ng Marcos administration. It’s a sovereign prerogative. The same way noong sinuko ho si dating Presidente Duterte sa Interpol. It’s a sovereign prerogative, hindi ‘yon delegation ng ating sovereignty. It’s an exercise of our sovereignty,” he added.
The Sword of Damocles
As a social scientist and Filipino citizen, De Castro said that if the country becomes a member of the ICC anew, it would act as a sword of Damocles for future leaders that would commit utmost political impunity while they are in position. He explained that liberal democracy operates based on checks and balances, and the rule of law.
“Kung meron man tayong future leader na lalabag sa ating saligang batas, dapat silang managot. Hindi lang sa ating mamamayan, hindi lang sa atin constitution, kundi sa inernational community,” he explained.
