--- ---  # Where the ICC Probe Into Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s Drug War Stands > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=638ef8cb-19a6-4088-97ce-859b9906dce6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=638ef8cb-19a6-4088-97ce-859b9906dce6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=638ef8cb-19a6-4088-97ce-859b9906dce6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=638ef8cb-19a6-4088-97ce-859b9906dce6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=638ef8cb-19a6-4088-97ce-859b9906dce6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=638ef8cb-19a6-4088-97ce-859b9906dce6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=638ef8cb-19a6-4088-97ce-859b9906dce6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=638ef8cb-19a6-4088-97ce-859b9906dce6&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) ## Video: South China Sea Tensions Flare as Chinese and Philippine Vessels Collide in Disputed Waters [Watch (HLS stream): South China Sea Tensions Flare as Chinese and Philippine Vessels Collide in Disputed Waters](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/Skms9r07.m3u8) (2:16)  _Published 2023-10-23. Tensions over the South China Sea escalated Monday with China filing a diplomatic complaint, the Philippines summoning Beijing’s ambassador, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordering a probe a day after vessels from both nations collided in the disputed waters._  by [Chad de Guzman](https://time.com/author/chad-de-guzman/)  ## Chad de Guzman Reporter Nov 27, 2023 11:35 AM UTC  Rodrigo Duterte speaks at the 25th International Conference on the Future of Asia, in Tokyo, May 31, 2019. Rodrigo Duterte speaks at the 25th International Conference on the Future of Asia, in Tokyo, May 31, 2019.Tomohiro Ohsumi—Getty Images  by [Chad de Guzman](https://time.com/author/chad-de-guzman/)  ## Chad de Guzman Reporter Nov 27, 2023 11:35 AM UTC As President of the Philippines in March 2019, Rodrigo Duterte [withdrew the country from being a party](https://time.com/5553323/philippines-leaves-international-criminal-court/) to the International Criminal Court. But it was too late to stop a probe the ICC had started in 2016 that was looking into Duterte’s “[war on drugs](https://time.com/4495896/philippine-president-rodrigo-duterte/),” a bloody anti-illegal-narcotics campaign defined by mass extrajudicial killings that left an estimated more than 6,000 people dead. The investigation was initially put on hold at the request of the Philippines in November 2021, but in January 2023, the ICC announced that it was resuming its investigation, and in July, it [rejected](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/18/icc-rejects-manilas-attempt-to-block-investigation-on-drug-war) the country’s grounds for appeal. After Duterte left office last year, his successor Ferdinand Marcos Jr. [said](https://pco.gov.ph/news%5Freleases/pbbm-shoots-down-calls-for-ph-to-rejoin-icc/), “the Philippines has no intention of rejoining the ICC.” But more recently, Marcos has admitted that he’s considering rejoining the court, as some lawmakers [have requested](https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/11/23/2313474/house-panel-tackles-proposals-government-cooperation-icc) that the new government cooperate with the investigation. Only one other state, Burundi in 2017, has withdrawn from the ICC**,** which has [123 members](https://asp.icc-cpi.int/states-parties). “Should we return under the fold of the ICC?” Marcos told reporters in Metro Manila Friday. “That’s again under study. So, we’ll just keep looking at it and see what our options are.” ### More From TIME But at the same time, Marcos has [emphasized his continuing opposition](https://time.com/6339369/philippines-marcos-duterte-drug-war-icc-probe/) to the ongoing ICC investigation into his predecessor. “It’s not right for outsiders, foreigners to tell us who our police should investigate, who our police should arrest, who our police should imprison,” he told reporters in Tagalog. “That’s not right. Only Filipinos should do that. We have our police, anyway. We have our National Bureau of Investigation, anyway. We have our Justice Department. They can do that job.” To date, however, no independent Philippine investigation has been made into Duterte’s drug war. **Read More:** [_Leila de Lima Is Free but Not Finished Fighting: Exclusive Q&A With Duterte’s Fiercest Critic_](https://time.com/6339253/philippines-leila-de-lima-interview-duterte-justice/) Here’s what to know about the ICC investigation. ## **What is the ICC investigating?** Former ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda first made note of the violence in Duterte’s drug war in [October 2016](https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/statement-prosecutor-international-criminal-court-fatou-bensouda-concerning-situation-republic). At the time, Bensouda flagged that the Philippines already reported some 3,000 extrajudicial killings of alleged drug users and pushers since the government began its anti-narcotics campaign in June. Duterte founded his presidency on this “[war on drugs](https://time.com/5330071/philippines-mayors-political-assassination-duterte/)” where he repeatedly threatened to “kill” those involved in the illegal drug trade. A similar campaign was also present during Duterte’s [time as long-time mayor](https://time.com/4494614/philippines-duterte-davao-death-squads-extrajudicial-killings/) of the southern Philippine city of Davao, where he supposedly had a “death squad” carry out his orders. Rights groups say Duterte’s provocative remarks enabled state forces to commit summary executions and extrajudicial killings. When he was President, he [urged Filipino citizens](https://time.com/4357763/rodrigo-duterte-reward-kill-drug-dealers/) to kill drug dealers, [vowed to pardon policemen](https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/122044-duterte-pardon-cops-kill-criminals/) who kill criminals and civilians in their fight against crime, and ordered his then-customs bureau chief [to shoot drug smugglers](https://apnews.com/general-news-1987eb2a568d773b36b578bda820abe4). Government [records](https://ddb.gov.ph/realnumbersph/) say more than 6,000 have been killed in anti-drug operations since June 2016 until May 31, 2022, a month before Duterte’s presidential term ended, but [human rights groups](https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/drug-policy-reform/) estimate that the death toll may be as high as 30,000. Bensouda announced that the ICC will conduct a preliminary examination of these deaths in February 2018\. The pre-trial investigation began five years later on Sept. 15, 2021—covering crimes allegedly committed in the country between Nov. 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019, ,the day before the country’s withdrawal from the ICC. This expands the scope of the investigation beyond the Duterte presidency’s “war on drugs” to also include killings during Duterte’s time as Davao city mayor. Judges [ruled](https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/CR2021%5F08044.PDF#page=38) that the “crime against humanity of murder appears to have been committed” and that cases that come out of the probe will fall into the court’s jurisdiction.  Portraits of alleged victims of the Philippine “war on drugs” are displayed during a protest of Duterte’s State of the Nation Address, in Manila, Monday, July 22, 2019. Richard James Mendoza—NurPhoto/Getty Images ## **What has Duterte himself said about the investigation?** From the get-go, Duterte has rejected the ICC investigation. Weeks after the statement from Bensouda, he [publicly attacked the ICC, calling it “useless](https://pco.gov.ph/nov-17-2016-departure-speech-of-president-rodrigo-roa-duterte-on-his-participation-at-the-apec-economic-leaders-meeting-in-lima-peru/),” and threatened to withdraw the country from the court. In March 2018, a month after the ICC launched a preliminary inquiry into the Philippines’ drug war, in [a 15-page-statement](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-duterte-icc-idUSKCN1GQ0MA/), Duterte expressed outrage and unilaterally announced the country’s withdrawal from the court’s foundational treaty the Rome Statute, because of “baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks” from U.N. officials and the ICC’s actions which were “in violation of due process and the presumption of innocence expressly guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution.” The Philippines ceased to be a member of the court a year later on March 17, 2019, but the ICC has since ruled that prosecutors may still investigate the alleged “crimes against humanity of murder” in the country, because they occurred when the Philippines was still a party to the statute. “You do not scare me that you will jail me in the International Criminal Court. I will never allow myself to answer these whites,” Duterte said in December 2019\. “I will never, never, never answer any question coming from you. It’s bullshit to me. I am only responsible to the Filipino. Filipinos will judge… And if you hang me for all what I did, go ahead. It will be my pleasure.” ## **What could happen next?** ICC investigations may or may not lead to trials, according to an analysis by [Human Rights Watch](https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/13/international-criminal-courts-philippines-investigation). If, during investigations, the prosecutor finds sufficient evidence to prosecute, they must identify a suspect and request for either an arrest warrant or a summons to appear. A group of pretrial judges ultimately decides whether a case should be brought to trial. The ICC, however, has limited powers, since its function is to complement countries’ judiciary systems. It prosecutes only in the absence of genuine, independent legal proceedings, and it neither has its own police force or independent enforcement mechanisms. The level of success for investigation and prosecution depends on how cooperative participant countries are. Arrests, in particular, remain difficult. ICC judges have issued 40 arrest warrants since the court’s inception in 2002, but 15 still remain at large. Russian President Vladimir Putin, for example, has had an ICC-issued arrest warrant issued against him [since March](https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-ukraine-icc-judges-issue-arrest-warrants-against-vladimir-vladimirovich-putin-and), but analysts believe the chances of [apprehending him are slim to none](https://time.com/6264280/vladimir-putin-icc-warrant-arrest/). 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