Families of drug war victims expressed relief and hope for justice following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte during a press conference at the UCCP Chapel in Quezon City on March 12, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Some House leaders on Thursday said majority of Filipinos want accountability on the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte, citing a recent survey from the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS).

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The latest SWS survey showed majority or 51 percent of Filipinos believe Duterte must be held liable for the drug suspects killed during anti-illegal drug operations.

"It's a clear message from the people na supportive sila sa pangyayari, especially for the former President to have time, to have his day in court sa ICC," House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Norte said.

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"Apart from the technicalities that we've been hearing from different lawyers, legal opinions on how an arrest warrant from the ICC or Interpol should be carried out… I think the public is focused more on why he is there in the first place, not the technicalities," he added.

Adiong said the survey results showed Filipinos value human rights and justice. 

"Ang paniwala ko po yung Pilipino, mataas yung kanilang moralidad at ethical standard. So whatever technicalities or innuendos to obfuscate the real issue at hand, they still focus on why he is there in the first place. And that is to face the charges against him for the death of more than 30,000 Filipinos during his time," he shared.

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Adiong said Duterte would not be in this position if the justice system in the country worked in the first place.

Congress, where Duterte used to have supermajority support, lauded and defended the bloody drug war when Duterte was president.

House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union, meanwhile said the voice of the Filipinos must be respected.

"No leader, no matter how popular, should be above the law. The survey tells us what we already know – mga Pilipino gusto ng hustisya. Hindi porket malakas sa masa noon, exempted ka na sa pananagutan ngayon," Ortega said in a separate statement.

(The survey tells us what we already know – Filipinos want justice. Just because it had broad support before does not exempt you from accountability now)

The La Union lawmaker emphasized that Duterte's arrest is "not about politics but about accountability."

51 pct of Pinoys agree Duterte must be held liable for EJK victims of drug war: SWS

Adiong said the survey results should "serve as a wake-up call" for Duterte's supporters.

“It’s time to listen to the people. Huwag nating balewalain ang sigaw ng mga biktima at ng taumbayan. The message is clear: walang sinuman ang dapat na hindi nasasaklaw ng batas,” he said.

(Let's not ignore the calls of the victims and of the people. The message is clear: Nobody is above the law)

The SWS survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group asked over 1,800 respondents nationwide.

Last week, the former President faced the ICC through video link for the first time.

He is currently at the ICC's detention center at The Hague in the Netherlands.

Duterte faces a complaint on alleged crimes against humanity linked to thousands killed in the drug war.

The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23,2025.

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