09/05/2026
I was once one of the most avid fans and supporters of Rodrigo Duterte. I admired his strength, decisiveness, and the way he carried himself as a leader. But everything slowly changed when he publicly mocked the Catholic Church, insulted the Pope, and even called God “stupid.” From that moment, something inside me changed.
I told myself: no matter how intelligent, strong, or effective a leader may seem, once a person loses reverence for God and openly attacks faith, all greatness eventually fades. For me, leadership without fear of God becomes dangerous, because power without humility can easily turn into abuse. Leaders are only human. Without moral accountability before God, even the most admired leader can lose his way.
As time passed, my admiration and respect continued to fade because of the growing controversies surrounding his administration — the alleged fake war on drugs, the killings that bypassed due process, and the many accusations of corruption and abuse of power. What once looked like strength began to look like pride and cruelty.
Yet despite everything, I never stopped praying for his conversion. I firmly believe that no sinner is beyond the mercy of God. No heart is too hard for God to soften. Deep inside, I still hope that one day he will sincerely repent for the lives lost and for the pain caused by the misuse of power.
Now, as he faces the ICC proceedings, and as Sara Duterte faces mounting accusations and impeachment complaints, their situation has become increasingly difficult and painful to watch. Their allies, including Ronald dela Rosa and B**g Go, are also facing legal troubles connected to the ICC investigations. Even lawyers who once defended them seem uncertain, with Nicholas Kaufman recently stepping down as Duterte’s legal counsel.
I remember hearing Sara Duterte say in an interview in The Hague that her father told her that if she were impeached, perhaps it was already written in the hands of God or destined by God. Hearing that made me pause and reflect. I could not help but wonder: is this the same God he once insulted and mocked? And yet, despite those painful memories, I suddenly felt compassion instead of anger.
When I looked at Sara Duterte during interviews, I noticed stress and exhaustion on her face. She no longer spoke with the same fierceness and aggression she once displayed — the same anger that often came with threats and harsh words. Instead, I sensed a small sign of humility, and unexpectedly, I felt pity for both father and daughter... It's too late.
Just lately, I read reports saying that Duterte’s health was weakening, and I honestly do not know why, but my anger softened into sorrow. Perhaps because at the end of the day, beyond politics and power, they are still human beings in need of God’s mercy.
Even though Duterte once used the word “God” carelessly and disrespectfully, I still want to believe that somewhere deep inside him, repentance is beginning to grow. I continue to pray for his complete conversion. Perhaps his stay at the ICC detention center is not only a legal battle, but also a spiritual opportunity — a chance for silence, reflection, prayer, and genuine return to God.
Sometimes, God allows powerful people to fall not to destroy them, but to humble them, awaken their conscience, and lead them back to the truth. And maybe, just maybe, this painful chapter in their lives could still become the beginning of redemption.
