Sara Duterte eyes return to Manila 'anytime this week'

Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to return to the Philippines “anytime this week” after attending a thanksgiving event with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) over the weekend in Hong Kong, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said Monday.

The OVP told the media that Duterte plans to attend the 88th Araw ng Dabaw festivities on March 16 and 17 in Davao City.

The OVP, however, did not specify her exact date of return to Manila.

Duterte flew to Hong Kong over the weekend for a gathering with OFWs. Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, along with several candidates of PDP Laban, were also present in the event.

On Sunday, the Duterte patriarch said he heard reports that he already has a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC). He, however, maintained that he did what was necessary to keep the country safe during his administration.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has refused to comment on the alleged arrest warrant against the former Philippine leader, who implemented the bloody war on drugs.

Despite this, Malacañang said it is ready for any eventuality in relation to the alleged arrest warrant.

The Palace also said Monday that it has not received any information regarding the alleged Interpol Red Notice against Rodrigo Duterte.

GMA News Online asked former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo if Rodrigo Duterte will go back to the Philippines on the same day as his daughter, but he said that he has no idea about it.

Earlier, Panelo denied allegations that the former Philippine leader is trying to escape while out of the country.

“Fake news. FPRRD and VP Sara are here to speak before a gathering of OFWs to express their thanks for their continued support,” Panelo told GMA News Online.

Asked when the father and daughter will return to Manila, Panelo said, “very soon.”

To recall, Sara Duterte had said that her lawyers are prepared in case she gets involved in the ICC probe.

She also said last year that she will only face any accusations linking her to the Davao Death Squad (DDS) before a Philippine court, lamenting that it was only when she was elected vice president that her name was linked to the controversial group.

"Haharapin ko ang anumang akusasyon laban sa akin (I will face any accusation against me). But I will only face any charge against me before a Filipino judge — and only before a Filipino court," VP Duterte earlier said.

This was the same assertion her father made regarding the prospect of being tried before the ICC. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News