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Some supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte in London in this video posted on Facebook on March 17, 2025 (Moe Wicks via Facebook)Some supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte were seen appealing to Britain’s King Charles III, urging him to help bring Duterte back to the Philippines after his surrender to the International Criminal Court.
Pictures and videos of Filipinos holding a banner with the following text were spotted on social media:
“KING CHARLES, YOU HONOURED FILIPINO WORKERS SERVING UK – WITH RESPECT, HELP DUTERTE COME HOME!”
A Facebook user claimed the gathering was at Marble Arch in London.
“WE are asking help to the government and King Charles of great Britain to help us bring back home our Ex President Duterte from ICC Netherlands,” the Facebook user wrote on Monday, March 17, sharing a video of the gathering.
The video was originally posted by another supporter, who wrote the following caption:
“A Heartfelt Plea to King Charles III [and] Global Leaders: Help Us Bring Duterte Home! Just as we serve with dedication in your nations, we seek justice and dignity for our former President.
— From Filipinos Supporting Duterte Across the World. Maraming Salamat Po!” the supporter wrote.
The post included some old quotes from the British monarch who paid tribute to Pinoy health workers in the United Kingdom for contributing to the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photos of the incident also reached two Filipino communities on Reddit, where some expressed their dismay at the initiative.
“It’s embarrassing how messy they are,” a Reddit user wrote in the r/ChikaPH subreddit.
King Charles III: Nugagawen?
byu/EmbraceFortress inChikaPH
“I think this is nonsense for me. I don’t see King Charles as someone na makikialam sa geopolitics. He has problems of his own country. Medyo nakakahiya lang na nire-represent nila ang Pinas sa ganyang paraan. [Hintayin] na lang natin ang magiging verdict ng ICC, ‘wag na idamay ibang tao,” another Redditor wrote in the r/Philippines subreddit.
Filipinos in London rallying for help
byu/reon92 inPhilippines
King Charles, as a royal figure, cannot interfere with politics since he is supposed to be the embodiment of the nation. He is supposed to remain neutral.
While the sovereign is the head of state under the British constitutional monarchy, it is the prime minister who leads the government.
“The British Monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament,” part of the monarchy’s role reads on the British Royal Family‘s website.
“The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service,” it added.
According to a royal historian, the King is bound by parliamentary limitations on his authority and cannot act without taking advice from his prime ministers in his realms.
It meant that the monarch cannot make political statements.
ALSO READ: PH representative office in Taiwan distances from ‘Bring Home FPRRD’ event
Duterte’s case
Meanwhile, Duterte was transferred to the ICC Detention Center in The Hague, Netherlands, following his arrival in the country on March 12.
The former president was arrested by Philippine authorities who obliged with the country’s commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
Interpol Manila received a copy of the arrest warrant issued by the ICC accusing Duterte of charges of murder as a crime against humanity in relation to his administration’s “War on Drugs” campaign.
Official government records state that the campaign has resulted in over 6,000 deaths, although human rights groups estimate the figures could be as high as 30,000, with many victims being small-time drug users and pushers.
Duterte is set to appear before the ICC on September 23 for a confirmation of charges hearing, where judges will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial.
