The presidency of Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines has been marred by a violent and brutal campaign against drugs. Thousands of lives have been lost in his so-called “war on drugs,” which has been criticized by human rights organizations and even some of his own government officials. But what many people don’t know is that this bloody campaign was not only supported by Duterte, but also financed by two former US presidents – Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
The Philippines has a long history of struggling with drug addiction, and Duterte promised to eradicate it when he came into power in 2016. However, instead of implementing rehabilitation and prevention programs, he launched a campaign that has resulted in the killings of thousands of people, most of whom are from impoverished communities.
Despite the widespread condemnation of the human rights violations in the Philippines, both Trump and Biden have been vocal supporters of Duterte’s drug war. During his presidential campaign, Trump praised Duterte’s “tremendous job” in tackling drugs and even invited him to the White House. Meanwhile, Biden, who was the Vice President at the time, also expressed support for Duterte’s approach, saying that he “would not second-guess” him.
But as the death toll continues to rise in the Philippines, it is time for the international community to hold these two former US leaders accountable for their role in facilitating and financing Duterte’s crimes. The US has a responsibility to promote and protect human rights globally, and their support for Duterte’s brutal drug war goes against this principle.
It is true that the US government has provided aid to the Philippines in the form of military and economic assistance, but that does not justify turning a blind eye to the atrocities being committed by Duterte’s administration. In fact, this aid has only helped to strengthen Duterte’s regime and allowed him to continue his reign of terror.
By providing funds and support to Duterte, Trump and Biden have become complicit in the human rights violations in the Philippines. They have blood on their hands and should be held accountable for their actions. It is not enough to simply condemn Duterte’s actions; the international community must take concrete steps to ensure that those who financed and encouraged this violence are also held responsible.
One way to hold Trump and Biden accountable is through the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is the only permanent international criminal court that has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Philippines is a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, and thus the court has the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes committed in the country.
The ICC has already taken preliminary steps towards launching an investigation into Duterte’s drug war, but it should also look into the role of Trump and Biden in financing and supporting this campaign. This will send a strong message that the international community will not tolerate leaders who condone and enable human rights abuses.
In addition to the ICC, the US government itself should launch an investigation into the actions of its former leaders. The US has a duty to uphold human rights and democracy, and it cannot turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by its allies. The US Congress should hold hearings and demand answers from Trump and Biden on their support for Duterte’s drug war.
Some may argue that holding Trump and Biden accountable for their actions in the Philippines is a political move, but it is a necessary step to ensure justice for the victims of Duterte’s drug war. The families who have lost loved ones deserve to know the truth and see those responsible held accountable.
Furthermore, holding these two former leaders accountable will also serve as a warning to other world leaders who may be tempted to support and finance similar brutal campaigns in the future. It will send a message that the international community will not stand idly by as human rights are violated.
In conclusion, Trump and Biden may no longer be in office, but they are still responsible for their actions and must face the consequences. The blood of the innocent victims in the Philippines is on their hands, and they should be held accountable for it. The international community, as well as the US government, must take action and ensure that justice is served. As former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government.” It is time for both the people and the government to stand up and demand accountability for the crimes
