The Hague, Netherlands – Vice President Sara Duterte relayed a message from her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, following his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he faces crimes against humanity charges linked to the war on drugs.
“Relax lang, may hangganan ang lahat. A day of reckoning will come,” she quoted him as saying to supporters gathered outside the ICC.
Political Remarks and 2028 Prospects
In her speech, Sara criticized the current administration, suggesting political betrayal and challenges to her position.
“Pero Vice President ako, ‘yan ang malaki nilang problema ngayon.”
(“But I am the Vice President. That is their biggest problem now.”)
Asked about her 2028 political plans, she responded: “Do we still have a country by 2028?”, expressing concerns over the nation’s direction.
On Duterte’s ICC Arrest
Sara emphasized that it is up to her father to reflect on his situation. She also urged Filipinos to focus on pressing domestic issues instead of the ICC proceedings, stating:
“The problem in the country isn’t the Dutertes.”
The former president remains detained in The Hague, as the ICC pursues allegations that his administration’s drug war led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. The Philippine government has vowed to ensure he receives a fair trial.