VP Sara Duterte reacts to ICC decisions: 'Best way to move forward is to prepare for trial'

The defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte, considering the recent decisions of the International Criminal Court (ICC), will have to move on and prepare for trial, said Vice President Sara Duterte.

The vice president said that she foresees that the ICC will not let go of the case of her father.

In an interview on Monday in The Hague, Netherlands, the Vice President said that she has accepted the decisions of the ICC confirming that it has jurisdiction over the former president and the confirmation of charges against him. The elder Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the killings during his war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and when he was president.

"Well, I accepted it as it is," VP Sara said, in response to a question asking for her reaction to the court decision regarding the ICC's jurisdiction.

"Discussion din naman namin ng mga abogado. We don't see any way that ICC will let go of the case of President Duterte. Since isa na lang ito sa dalawa na ICC cases. So we don't think na they will let this go," she added.

(We also discussed this with the lawyers. We don't see any way that ICC will let go of the case of President Duterte. Since it is only one of two ICC [ongoing] cases. So we don't think that they will let this go.)

The vice president said that she has the same sentiment regarding the court's decision on the confirmation of charges.

"Same lang na this will really go to trial. And the best way to move forward is to prepare for trial," she said.

The vice president is in The Hague in the Netherlands to visit her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at the ICC Detention Center awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity.

During her visit, she expressed her gratitude for the presence of supporters.

"I wouldn't say that I am happy to be back because of the situation of President Duterte. But I am happy to see all of you again," she said, referring to the supporters present.

"Happy springtime! I am okay," she said.

She also reiterated that they are hoping for that her father would be able to return to the Philippines.

"We always pray for that. Halos araw-araw 'yung dasal na sana makauwi na si President Duterte."

(Almost every day, that is the prayer, that President Duterte could go home.)

Regarding her visit to her father, VP Sara said he looked healthy but she broached the idea of therapy as he remains in detention since March 11, 2025.

"Okay lang naman. He looked well. He looks healthy and wala naman siyang mga problema. I suggested na magpa-physiotherapy siya but he refused," she said.

(He's okay. He looked well. He looks healthy and he has no problems. I suggested that he undergo physiotherapy but he refused.)

"Let's see tomorrow baka makumbinse natin siya na magpa-physiotherapy. In lieu of his supposed dapat everyday exercise," she added.

(Let's see tomorrow if we can convince him to have physiotherapy. In lieu of his supposed mandatory everyday exercise.)

The ICC on April 23 confirmed the charges of crimes against humanity against the former president in connection with the extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and when he was president.

The elder Duterte's camp however has requested permission from the ICC to file an appeal over the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision confirming the charges against him.

The ICC Presidency meanwhile has constituted the Trial Chamber that will hear the case. The Presidency said Trial Chamber III will be composed of Judge Joanna Korner, Judge Keebong Paek, and Judge Nicolas Guillou.

The Trial Chamber III of the ICC will hold a status conference on May 27, 2026 on the crimes against humanity charges against the elder Duterte.

In an order dated May 1, the Trial Chamber III has directed concerned parties to submit their observations on the continued detention of Duterte by May 8. — BAP/KG, GMA News