Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte stood firm on his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, saying he offers “no apologies” and “no excuses” for the aggressive approach that defined his presidency. Addressing his critics, Duterte emphasized that his actions were necessary to protect the nation from the widespread impacts of illegal drugs. Duterte attend the senate blue ribbon Committee today.
Duterte’s drug war, launched in 2016, aimed to eliminate illegal drugs in the Philippines but quickly became a point of contention, with widespread accusations of human rights abuses. The campaign saw thousands of alleged drug offenders killed in police operations, sparking public outcry and drawing the attention of international organizations, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Human rights advocates documented cases of extrajudicial killings, and families of victims continue to seek justice. Despite the outpouring of criticisms, Duterte has consistently dismissed these accusations, claiming that his actions were a necessary measure in his commitment to securing the safety and future of the Filipino people.
In his latest remarks, Duterte reiterated his stance that his administration’s hardline tactics were essential in the fight against what he described as a “scourge” on Philippine society. He argued that the campaign’s intensity was proportionate to the threat posed by the drug trade, underscoring that the primary goal was to rid communities of drug-related crimes. “I did what I had to do for the country,” Duterte asserted, adding that he would make the same decisions again if it meant securing the well-being of future generations.
While his supporters credit him with taking decisive action on an issue that previous administrations largely struggled to address, Duterte’s critics argue that the approach lacked due process and has left lasting scars on the nation. Human rights groups continue to demand accountability, with several cases linked to the drug war now under review by the ICC. For now, Duterte remains defiant, maintaining that his decisions were driven by a profound duty to protect the Filipino people.
