FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte brazenly challenged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to begin its investigation into his deadly war on drugs, making light of international accountability on charges of crimes against humanity.

Speaking at the Quad Comm hearing, Duterte dared the ICC to “come here and start the investigation tomorrow,” adding that he might die before they have the chance.

“I’m asking the ICC to hurry up and if possible they can come here and start the investigation tomorrow,” Duterte said, upon the questioning of Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas.

“This issue has been left hanging for so many years. Matagal, mam, baka mamatay na ako hindi na nila ako maimbestigahan,” he continued.

His remarks came amid widespread criticism that he has evaded accountability for the thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration, which the ICC has long condemned.

Duterte, who controversially withdrew the Philippines from the ICC to shield himself from scrutiny, claimed he would accept any verdict if found guilty, though his actions indicate otherwise.

“If I am found guilty, I will go to prison and rot there for all time,” he said, dismissing the severe allegations against him with his trademark nonchalance.

Duterte openly admitted to instructing police to provoke criminals into resisting arrest, effectively endorsing a “shoot-to-kill” approach.

When asked about statements he made in 2016 encouraging criminals to fight back, Duterte defended his orders.

“Yes, because that could be justified kung lumaban,” he asserted, rationalizing the violence as a means to “reduce the number of criminals.”

His approach, he added, was simply to lessen the “burden” of crime in his city by reducing the population of alleged criminals.

“Doon sa mga manufacturer, sinasabi ko talaga patayin nyo, basta naabutan ninyo dyan sa factory na nagluluto ng shabu,” he stated, admitting to ordering deaths without due process.

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Jester P. Manalastas