MANILA, Philippines — In a strongly-worded Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) message, Vice President Sara Duterte characterized any attempt by foreign institutions to interfere in the Philippine justice system as a “direct challenge” to the freedom secured by the heroes of Bataan.
Speaking in a video message on Thursday, April 9, 2026, Duterte emphasized that defending the Republic’s sovereignty is a “duty for every generation.” She drew parallels between the sacrifices made during World War II and the current need to protect the country’s legal and judicial autonomy.
Duterte’s remarks come at a time when the Philippine government continues to navigate complex relations with international legal bodies.
- Capability to Govern: The Vice President stated in Filipino that the Philippines is “capable of governing ourselves and enforcing our own laws under our own courts.”
- Modern-Day Valor: She called on Filipinos to embody the spirit of the Bataan defenders by standing firm for a “strong, safe, and truly free Philippines” in the face of modern challenges.
While the Vice President did not mention the International Criminal Court (ICC) by name, the context of her statement is widely viewed through the lens of the ongoing legal proceedings involving her father. Former President Rodrigo Duterte currently remains in the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges related to alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s war on drugs.
The Philippine government has consistently maintained that the ICC lacks jurisdiction, arguing that the country’s domestic justice system is fully functional and capable of handling any alleged abuses.
Beyond the legal rhetoric, the Vice President paid homage to the Filipino soldiers who stood their ground in Bataan in 1942. She described their sacrifice not merely as a display of military strength, but as a “testament to love of country.”
The Day of Valor message concludes a week of heightened political activity for the Vice President, who also recently filed a petition with the Supreme Court to intervene in her ongoing impeachment case in the House of Representatives.