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False Claims Circulate About ICC Sentencing Former Philippine President Duterte
A viral YouTube video falsely claiming that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to 120 years in prison has been debunked as misinformation. The fabricated report has gained significant traction online despite having no basis in fact.
The misleading 26-minute video, published on April 2, features a thumbnail showing photos of former President Duterte, ICC Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, and Vice President Sara Duterte. The superimposed text in Filipino reads “KULONG NG 120 YEARS?! DIGONG HINATULAN NG ICC,” which translates to “In prison for 120 years?! Digong sentenced by the ICC?!”
The false claim spread further when a social media user shared the video’s thumbnail on Facebook with the added comment “SAN KAPA KARMA IS REAL” (What else is there? Karma is real), suggesting the former president was facing consequences for his actions.
Official records from the ICC contradict these claims completely. The court has not issued any verdict against Duterte, as the case remains in preliminary stages. The most recent development occurred on February 27, when the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I concluded the confirmation of charges hearing. According to standard ICC procedure, the Pre-Trial Chamber is expected to issue a written decision within 60 days determining whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, stop the proceedings, or request additional evidence.
The YouTube video in question merely recycled a portion of a July 2025 reel from a pro-Duterte content creator who incorrectly stated that Duterte had been held by the ICC for more than 120 years—a claim that is both chronologically impossible and procedurally inaccurate.
Legal experts point out that the ICC process involves multiple distinct phases, and Duterte’s case has not yet reached the trial stage. Without a trial, there can be no sentencing. The ICC makes all official updates about ongoing cases available on its website, and no such announcement about Duterte has been made.
If the case against the former Philippine president were to proceed to trial and result in a conviction, ICC protocols would allow judges to impose a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment or, in exceptional circumstances, life imprisonment—but certainly not 120 years as claimed in the video.
The timing of the false video is notable, as it surfaced on the same day the ICC Appeals Chamber announced in a scheduling order that it would issue its judgment on Duterte’s appeal regarding jurisdiction over the charges of crimes against humanity on April 22. This suggests an attempt to capitalize on public interest in developments related to the former president’s legal situation.
Despite being completely fabricated, the video published by YouTube channel “NIOLO RANDOM NEWS” has amassed approximately 53,000 views, 2,800 likes, and 264 comments since its upload. A copy shared on Facebook received 261 likes, 164 comments, and 63 shares, indicating the significant reach of this misinformation.
The case against Duterte stems from allegations of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs, which human rights organizations claim resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. The ICC investigation has been a politically divisive issue in the Philippines, with supporters and critics of the former president closely following developments.
Media literacy experts warn that such false claims about high-profile international cases can mislead public understanding of judicial processes and further polarize political discourse around contentious issues.
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7 Comments
I’m curious to learn more about the details of this case and the ICC’s ongoing investigation. It’s important to let due process play out rather than relying on unsubstantiated rumors.
It’s concerning to see such blatantly false information gaining traction on social media. I appreciate the news outlet taking the time to thoroughly investigate and set the record straight. Fact-checking is crucial in the digital age.
This is a good example of why we need to be vigilant about verifying information, especially on social media. It’s easy for false claims to spread rapidly, but we must take the time to separate fact from fiction.
Interesting, this appears to be another case of misinformation spreading online. I’m glad the authorities were able to debunk these false claims quickly. It’s important to rely on official sources and fact-checking when it comes to legal matters like this.
I appreciate the news outlet’s efforts to debunk this false claim. It’s crucial that we all stay informed and rely on credible sources, especially when it comes to high-profile legal cases.
This is a good reminder to be cautious about unverified claims, especially those involving high-profile figures. While the legal process may move slowly, it’s important to wait for official rulings rather than spreading potentially misleading information.
While the allegations against the former president are certainly serious, it’s important to wait for the official ruling from the ICC before drawing any conclusions. Spreading unverified information can do more harm than good.