Vice President Sara Duterte said former president Rody Duterte is undergoing treatment for a skin condition, suffering from body pains and has reportedly hit his head several times while in detention as she renewed her call for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to release him immediately.
Speaking at a gathering in The Hague on July 29, the Vice President argued that the tribunal no longer had grounds to keep the former president in custody, saying he posed no risk of fleeing, influencing witnesses or obstructing the proceedings.
“If the ICC wants the world to respect the institution, they should first know how to respect the law,” Duterte said. She added that her father “should be released, and he should be released immediately.”
Duterte said her 81-year-old father is receiving treatment for a skin condition and has been experiencing body pains. She also claimed he had slipped and struck his head several times while in detention.
She said the family fears the former president could remain in custody abroad for years as the case moves forward and revealed they have already discussed what should happen if he dies while under ICC detention.
“But of course, as a Filipino, as a daughter, we want him to die in Philippine soil,” she said.
Rodrigo Duterte remains detained in The Hague while facing three counts of crimes against humanity for murder in connection with killings linked to his anti-drug campaign as Davao City mayor and later as Philippine president.
The case covers 49 incidents involving 76 killings and two attempted murders. Duterte has denied the allegations and continues to challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction over the case.
The ICC previously denied his request for interim release, ruling that the risks of flight and interference with the proceedings remained. His trial is set to begin on Nov. 30.
