Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing mounting pressure from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his controversial war on drugs.

As the case heats up, here’s a breakdown of five potential strategies he might use to defend himself and avoid prosecution.

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1. Challenging ICC’s Jurisdiction

Duterte has long argued that the ICC has no power over him, especially after the Philippines officially withdrew from the court in 2019. He could double down on this stance, claiming that the court can’t pursue a case against someone from a non-member state — despite the ICC asserting it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.

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2. Invoking State Sovereignty

Duterte might frame the ICC’s investigation as an attack on Philippine sovereignty. He’s previously called it foreign interference, and he may push the narrative that the country’s judicial system is capable of handling any allegations internally — even though critics argue the local justice system hasn’t pursued meaningful cases connected to the drug war.

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3. Leveraging Public Support and Political Alliances

With a loyal base and powerful allies, Duterte could rally public sentiment to paint himself as a victim of international bias. He may also lean on allies in government — including those connected to his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte — to create political roadblocks that delay or complicate ICC cooperation.

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4. Health or Humanitarian Defense

If legal avenues tighten, Duterte might shift to a more personal defense, citing age, health issues, or humanitarian grounds to argue he’s unfit for trial. This approach has worked for other global figures facing international cases, though the ICC would likely scrutinize such claims carefully.

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5. Defiant Non-Cooperation

Duterte may stick to his tried-and-true strategy: outright defiance. He’s previously dared authorities to arrest him and could refuse any involvement with the ICC altogether. Without cooperation, however, the court could still proceed — potentially issuing a warrant that would make international travel risky for him.

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The ICC case against Duterte is unprecedented in the Philippines, and his response could shape the country’s political and legal landscape for years to come. Will he fight it head-on or double down on his defiant stance? One thing’s certain — this battle is far from over.