Former President Rodrigo Duterte has urged his supporters not to comment publicly on his ongoing Crimes Against Humanity case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
During a gathering in The Hague to celebrate Duterte’s 80th birthday, Vice President Sara Duterte relayed several messages from her father. Chief among them was a call for supporters to let the legal proceedings run their course without interference.
“Sabi niya, kung gusto ninyo ipahayag ang inyong pagsuporta, kung gusto ninyo ipahayag ang inyong galit na nararamdaman o kung kasiyahan na nararamdaman, sabi niya, huwag natin pag-usapan ang kaso at huwag natin pag-usapan kung ano ‘yung nangyayari sa kaso. Lalong-lalo na pagdating sa mga complainants o reklamo na nandyan sa loob sa International Criminal Court,” said Sara Duterte.
Duterte also asked his supporters to throw their support behind PDP-Laban’s senatorial slate in the upcoming elections.
“Sinabi niya, hindi na niya magawa ang mangampanya, tumayo sa stage doon sa Pilipinas at sabihan ang mga supporters kung bakit kailangan natin iboto iyong 10 diretso at wala ng ibang kandidato na i-vote. Kaya sabi niya, ipaabot sa inyo na kailangan niya ang tulong. Kailangan niya ang mga PDP Senators at mga guest candidates ng PDP-Laban,” Sara added.
Vice President Duterte also mentioned that the ICC had made a request to avoid capturing footage of the detention center’s exterior, especially those entering and exiting the facility.
“Sinabihan ako doon sa loob na pakiusapan kayong lahat kasama na ang media na wag mag-video footage at pictures sa kanilang facade ng kanilang detention facility, lalong-lalo na sa mga tao na pumapasok at lumalabas. Bawal po sa kanilang protocols ang video-han ang kanilang detention facility,” she said.
She underscored the importance of following the ICC’s rules, especially given its openness in allowing expressions of public sentiment.
“Sundin natin kung anong protocol nila dito sa videotaping and sa recording, at sa photography. Dahil sa ngayon, nakikita ninyo na napaka-lenient at napaka-cooperative nila sa atin. At nakikita nila na, at tinutulungan nila tayo na maipakita sa mundo kung ano ‘yung nararamdaman natin. Kaya yung mga maliliit na bagay na hinihingi nila na huwag kayo mag-film at mag-videotape ay sundin natin,” she added.
Family Visits and Legal Defense
Sara Duterte noted that she visited the detention facility to collect her father’s belongings but was not able to see him in person. However, Duterte’s partner Honeylet Avanceña and daughter Veronica were finally granted visitation after several failed attempts.
As for Duterte’s legal team, efforts are ongoing to complete his defense lineup.
“’Yung legal team niya dalawa na [ang with] papers from the ICC, so we’re waiting for the two more lawyers and currently we are recruiting one more lawyer excluding the Filipino lawyer,” she said.
On the matter of a potential interim release, she acknowledged that discussions are taking place, though details remain vague.
“I do not know right now what would be the terms of the interim release if at all there will be an interim release. But I understand that that is one of the items that the lawyers are thinking about and discussing… but the details on that you need to ask the lawyers. I only organize the legal team and his needs inside,” she added.
Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained at the ICC facility in The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges linked to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 23, 2025, for the confirmation of charges hearing.
