Vice President Sara Duterte Calls for Her Father’s Return
Vice President Sara Duterte marked her 47th birthday by leading a rally urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Philippine courts to bring her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, back to the Philippines. At the “ICC, send Duterte home” event held at Laan van Reagan en Gorbatjov in The Hague, she addressed hundreds of Filipino supporters who gathered from various European countries.
She expressed a strong appeal for continuous calls to the Philippine government and the ICC to facilitate her father’s return. “Dahil di ba sila yung nagsasabi lahat may human rights. So, dapat ibigay din nila yung human rights ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na ibalik sa Pilipinas at i-check ng ating mga lokal na korte kung karapat-dapat ba na siya ay ipadala dito sa the Hague,” she told the crowd from a makeshift stage.
Support from Filipino Communities Across Europe
Most attendees came from the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and France, showing widespread support for the Duterte family. Vice President Sara was joined by her younger brother, Davao City Vice Mayor-elect Sebastian Duterte, and notable allies including senators and legal advisers.
During the rally, supporters serenaded her with a birthday song, followed by the anthem “Pilipinas, Duterte Pa Rin.” Despite the festive atmosphere, the core message remained focused on the call for justice and the former president’s repatriation.
Vice President Sara Duterte Highlights ICC Jurisdiction Issues
In her speech, Vice President Sara Duterte argued that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over her father’s case. She noted that the ICC’s preliminary investigation began two years after the Philippines formally withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019.
“Kaya dapat po hindi natin tigilan ang panawagan natin sa ICC to send him home. At huwag natin tigilan ang panawagan natin doon sa loob ng Pilipinas na lahat sa ating gobyerno ay dapat gawin nila, bring him home,” she said emphatically.
She further explained that the Supreme Court and the ICC itself recognized jurisdiction only for killings that occurred while the Philippines was still a member of the Rome Statute. Therefore, she insisted the ICC should not continue its investigation into acts allegedly committed after the withdrawal took effect.
“Hindi pupwede na kung kailan mo gusto ikaw mag-imbestiga ay ganon ang gagawin mo dahil hindi matatapos eh. Kaya wala na silang jurisdiction sa kaso na ito. Huwag nilang ipikit ang kanilang mata sa pag-kidnap sa ating dating pangulo, sa katotohanang wala silang jurisdiction,” she added.
Continuous Calls to the ICC and Philippine Government
Vice President Sara urged Filipinos worldwide to keep repeating their demand: “ICC, send him home.” She stressed that this is a shared plea from Filipinos everywhere to bring former president Rodrigo Duterte back to the Philippines.
Amid the rally, she expressed gratitude for the support and conveyed her birthday wishes to the crowd. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa kasiyahan ninyo sa araw na ito dahil meron tayong sine-celebrate pero nalulungkot tayo na hindi natin kasama si dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte,” she said.
She also shared her hope that next year, Duterte would be free, able to participate in celebrations, and return to Davao City to serve as mayor.
Personal Challenges Faced by Former President Duterte
The Vice President revealed some personal difficulties her father is facing during his detention in The Hague since March 12. For the first time in his life, he must manage tasks independently, such as basic grooming, which was previously handled by professionals.
She recounted how she, her mother, and Duterte’s ex-wife had to borrow nail clippers from a prison guard to cut his nails for the first time. “Buong buhay nya, manicurista ang nag gugupit ng kuko nya,” she said.
Moreover, she mentioned that Duterte does not know how to cook, sweep, or wash clothes, underscoring the challenges he endures while detained.
Upcoming Court Proceedings and Political Developments
Despite his detention, Rodrigo Duterte won the recent Davao City mayoral election, signaling ongoing public support. He is scheduled to appear before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I for the confirmation of charges hearing on September 23.
Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to return to the Philippines on June 4, continuing her advocacy for her father’s rights and freedom.
For more news and updates on ICC, send Duterte home, visit Filipinokami.com.