As supporters gathered outside the International Criminal Court, Vice President Sara Duterte acknowledged Filipinos in The Hague who showed up on a difficult day for her family. Her message came after the ICC ruled that former President Rody Duterte is fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings, allowing his case to move forward.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I rejected the defense claim that the former president was unfit to stand trial due to alleged cognitive impairment. With that decision, the court cleared the way for the next stage of proceedings in the crimes against humanity case.
Speaking to supporters, the Vice President said she did not discuss the ruling with her father during her visit, noting that she is not allowed to talk to him about the case. Instead, she thanked Filipinos who came to the detention facility, saying their presence provided moral support amid what she described as unfavorable news.
She added that her father’s lawyer, who entered the detention unit that day, would be able to relay the show of support. Duterte said her conversation with her father focused on recent maritime incidents, which led them to reflect on life’s uncertainty.
The ICC has scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for February 23. Rodrigo Duterte has been detained at the ICC’s Scheveningen Prison since March 11 last year.
