<![CDATA[This study critically examines media representations of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and prosecution for crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), situating the analysis within the broader framework of sustainable governance and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Employing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) through Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional Model and van Dijk’s Ideological Square, the research investigates competing narratives, ideological framings, and linguistic strategies in selected international and Philippine news media. Findings reveal polarized portrayals: international outlets often depict Duterte as a strongman finally facing justice, while some local media frame him as a political victim and nationalist martyr. These divergences reflect deeper tensions between global legal norms and domestic political rivalries, notably the Marcos–Duterte feud, which influences perceptions of the ICC’s legitimacy. By foregrounding the media’s role as active discursive agents rather than neutral conveyors of information, the study underscores how narrative framing shapes public trust in governance, the rule of law, and accountability mechanisms. The insights extend beyond transitional justice in post-authoritarian contexts, offering implications for sustainable governance frameworks that uphold human rights, protect civic space, and strengthen institutions—principles that are also critical to advancing environmental governance, addressing environmental justice, and safeguarding defenders of both human and ecological rights.]]>
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