Sara Duterte thanks fathers for stability amid difficulties, guidance in the face of uncertainties

Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday thanked fathers for their stability amid difficulties and their guidance in the face of uncertainties.

As part of her Father’s Day message, the younger Duterte recognized fathers and their sacrifices, diligence, and unparalleled love, as she thanked them for serving as the foundation that provides security, calmness, and the way for their children to be responsible, disciplined, and productive.

The Vice President is a daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte who remains in custody in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity charges in connection with his deadly war on drugs. 

“Ang inyong pagsisikap ay nagpapaalala sa amin ng inyong dalamhati at pagmamahal sa pamilya, at ito rin ang nagiging magandang halimbawa na nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa mga kabataan,” she said in a video message.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong katatagan sa panahon na ang pamilya ay nahihirapan. Maraming salamat sa inyong patnubay sa mga panahong tila walang katiyakan. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagmamahal,” she added.

(Your efforts remind us of your love for family, and it also serves as a good example that gives inspiration to the youth. Thank you for your stability in times of difficulties for the family. Thank you for the guidance during times that seem uncertain. Thank you for the love.)

Duterte’s father, Rodrigo Duterte — who repeatedly said he will accept full legal responsibility for the consequences of his campaign against illegal drugs — was brought to The Hague in The Netherlands in March to be tried for crimes against humanity.

“Sa bawat ama na patuloy na lumalaban, naglilingkod, at walang pagod na itinataguyod ang pamilya sa kabila ng hirap, hangad ko ang inyong tagumpay,” Sara Duterte said.

(For all the fathers who continue to fight, serve, and untiringly support the family despite the difficulties, I wish for your success.)

The ICC has been investigating the former president and other top officials of his administration for crimes against humanity over the alleged systematic drug war deaths in police operations.

These deaths reached around 6,000 based on police records, but human rights groups contend that the deaths were as much as 30,000, including vigilante killings.

His camp has since asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) for him to be released to an undisclosed country that has agreed to take him in, citing that he must be released as he does not pose a risk, and would escape from custody. —RF, GMA Integrated News