FACT CHECK: No proof that Duterte’s ICC detention boosted tourism in the Netherlands

Claim: Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity has led to a surge in tourism in the Netherlands, with hotels fully booked and large crowds gathering at the ICC.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The TikTok video containing the claim has 535,600 views, 64,700 likes, 2,605 shares, and 2,743 comments as of writing.

Text in the video states: “Hindi naman daw first time na may nakulong na dayuhan sa kanila pero ngayon lang daw nangyari na ganito karaming nakasuporta. Tumaas daw ang turismo sa Netherlands at ginawang tourist spot ang ICC.”

(They say it’s not the first time a foreigner has been jailed there, but it’s the first time someone has had this much support. Tourism in the Netherlands has reportedly increased, and the ICC has even become a tourist spot.)

Some social media users seem to believe the video, with one top comment saying: “Ang ironic na mahal na mahal siya ng [mga] tao tapos may kasong crimes against humanity. Dun palang magduda na dapat ang ICC.”

(Isn’t it ironic? People love him so much, yet he’s facing charges of crimes against humanity. That alone should make the ICC think twice.)

The facts: There is no evidence that Duterte’s detention at the ICC led to a surge in tourism or hotel bookings in the Netherlands. No official agency, including the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, and no major Dutch media outlet reported any such effect.

Since Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the ICC on March 11, hundreds of his supporters have gathered outside the ICC detention center in The Hague to show support for the former president. On March 13, GMA Integrated News estimated that around 200 protesters had gathered at the penitentiary, with some traveling from various Dutch cities and nearby countries.

On March 16, around 250 Duterte supporters gathered for a rally near the International Gay Monument, just days after Duterte appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I via video link.

As Duterte’s 80th birthday approached on March 28, the support continued, with over 200 global events organized to demand his release. Hundreds of Duterte supporters across Europe — including Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK — gathered near the ICC for a picnic and celebration.

There is no evidence, however, that the number of supporters flocking to The Hague has caused a noticeable increase in tourism or hotel demand, whether in the city or the Netherlands.

Additionally, The Hague — deemed the legal capital of the world — hosts a large number of international legal bodies, such as the ICC, the International Court of Justice, Europol, and over 200 international organizations. It attracts diplomats, officials, international lawyers, and journalists year-round.

Duterte’s ICC case: Duterte is currently facing crimes against humanity charges before the ICC for thousands of drug war killings under his presidency and the operations of the Davao Death Squad during his two-decade rule as Davao City mayor. Human rights groups claim the death toll could reach up to 30,000. 

His supporters — including his eldest daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who herself is battling a looming impeachment case over corruption and abuse of power allegations — continue to assert his innocence, even as ICC prosecutors already have 181 pieces of evidence against him. The case is currently in the pre-trial stage, with the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23. (READ: What to expect in the 6 months before Duterte’s ICC pre-trial)

Disinformation surge: Following his arrest, Duterte’s supporters revived old disinformation tactics deployed during his presidency. A Rappler investigation found that instead of relying solely on big-name propagandists like Mocha Uson, RJ Nieto (Thinking Pinoy), and Sass Sasot (For the Motherland), current disinformation tactics are largely fueled by micro-influencers — small-scale vloggers producing videos that are difficult to fact-check yet widely consumed. (READ: [DECODED] Three ways Duterte’s propaganda machine has changed)

Disinformation narratives continue to glorify Duterte’s anti-crime image, romanticize his presidency, and discredit institutions like the ICC and the Supreme Court, all to defend him and secure public sympathy. (READ: Supreme Court, ICC targeted by ‘fake news’ after Duterte arrest)

Rappler has also fact-checked numerous claims about Duterte’s ICC case:

• FACT CHECK: ICC president’s statement on court’s jurisdiction taken out of context
• FACT CHECK: No order from ICC president to release Duterte ahead of his birthday
• FACT CHECK: US gov’t sanctions on ICC not a response to Duterte arrest
• FACT CHECK: Duterte not back in Davao, still detained at the ICC 

– Marjuice Destinado/Rappler.com

Marjuice Destinado is a Rappler intern. She is also a fact-checker and researcher-writer at Explained PH. A third-year political science student at Cebu Normal University (CNU), she serves as the feature editor of Ang Suga, CNU’s official student publication.

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