The Hague, Netherlands – Vice President Sara Duterte shared details of her visit with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over crimes against humanity charges.
During their one-hour visit, Sara said her father appeared well-rested, spent time watching TV, and had only one complaint—he missed Filipino food, particularly inun-unan (Visayan-style paksiw).
“He repeatedly told me, ‘Do not leave the Philippines.’ I assured him that I would return home after forming his legal team,” she said.
Duterte’s Legal Strategy & Jurisdiction Debate
✔ British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has been appointed as Duterte’s defense counsel.
✔ Duterte’s legal team, led by Harry Roque, argues that his arrest was illegal, which they claim should void ICC jurisdiction over him.
✔ They plan to challenge whether the ICC has authority, given that the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019.
Duterte Camp Alleges ‘Kidnapping’
Sara claimed her father was forcibly taken and described the situation as “extraordinary rendition”, a term for extrajudicial transfers of detainees.
“For a family member like me, that’s kidnapping,” she said.
Upcoming ICC Proceedings & Duterte’s Message
📅 The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23.
📢 Sara relayed her father’s message to supporters:
“Relax lang, may hangganan ang lahat. There will be a day of reckoning for all.”