Author:

Kirsty Zachoval

Prague – The Philippines is currently facing a deep political division following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He is now detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands facing charges of crimes against humanity as he awaits trial.

READ HIS WARRANT: Extracted from ICC Archives:

Warrant of Arrest of Rodrigo Roa DuterteDownload

Protest in the Czech Republic

Last Saturday, March 15, 2025, a group of Filipinos supporting the detained former President Duterte held a peaceful prayer rally in front of the Národní Muzeum at Wenceslas Square in Prague. The rally lasted for about two hours, during which participants lit candles and prayed. This event was organized by some of the leaders in the community namely Jimmy Chavez, Rachelle Escame, Princess Natalie Roll, Anne Talingting Saye, Eds Pohan and others.

PHOTOS TAKEN FROM THE RALLY:

Misinformation and fake posts have been circulating across various social media platforms. These posts and videos are contributing to the spread of misleading narratives which is why it is important to do fact-checking and verifying sources to ensure accurate information.

Other Filipinos living in the Czech Republic have expressed concern over the situation in the Philippines. One source shared her worry about the spread of fake news on social media, where fictional characters are falsely quoted as supporters of Duterte.

The photos below illustrate instances of these misinformation. One image falsely attributes a quote from Atty. Elle Woods, a fictional character played by Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde, claiming that the ICC made a grave mistake in arresting Duterte.

Another manipulated image features Judge Tomoko Akane, but instead of her actual photo, it uses an image of actress Michelle Yeoh. These are just a few examples of the widespread misleading content circulating on social media.

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Meanwhile, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s population is projected to reach approximately 138.67 million by 20551. As the population grows, the challenges facing the nation become more complex, and political unrest continues to spread, with divisions intensifying.

In such a densely populated society, resources and opportunities can become more strained which can lead to increased frustration and polarization (division). People are often judged solely based on which side they are in favor. This further fuels division and distracts from addressing broader national issues such as poverty, education, and infrastructure. The growing population amplifies these problems, making it even more urgent to focus on unity, effective governance, and long-term solutions for the country’s development.

Is this really the kind of nation we want our children to have?

What does this mean for the Philippines

More than anything, Filipinos are very resilient. We always somehow, make it through no matter what life throws at us. In addressing this issue, it is essential to approach it with an open mind, a broader perspective, and informed discussions. Respecting differing opinions and upholding the principles of due process are fundamental to ensuring a just and fair resolution.

At the same time, there are more pressing issues that require attention. Many Filipinos continue to live below the poverty line, and marginalized communities remain overlooked. These concerns should not be forgotten. Justice must prevail an we have to ensure that victims of crimes receive the justice they deserve while the accused are given a fair and proper trial.

What are your thoughts?

REFERENCE:

  1. Philippine Statistics Authority. (2024, January 31). Population Projection Statistics. Philippine Statistics Authority. https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/census/projected-population ↩︎