Framing Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC arrest: Examining Coverage in Philippine News Media

This study examines how leading Philippine news media outlets – Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and The Philippine Star – framed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with his administration’s war on drugs. Through a content analysis of 114 news articles published between March and April 2025, the study identified three dominant frames employed by the media outlets: legitimacy and accountability, victimization and political persecution, and sovereignty and nationalism. These frames reflect competing narratives, ranging from the ICC’s role as a neutral legal institution to portrayals of Duterte as a victim of politically motivated retribution. The study also analyzed the tone of coverage, revealing a plurality of articles critical of Duterte. Findings underscore how news media not only shape public discourse around legal accountability and state sovereignty but also mediate tensions between international justice and domestic political dynamics. By highlighting the diversity of perspectives and the strategic use of frames and tone, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how contested political events are negotiated in media narratives. Implications for press freedom, democratic engagement, and the future of transitional justice in the Philippines are discussed.