Vice President Sara Duterte said on Sunday that her father, former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, believes he has no case to answer before the International Criminal Court (ICC), expressing confidence in his legal defense.
In an AFP report, Sara said her father is now in better condition after appearing disoriented during his initial ICC hearing. “He’s very confident about the legal arguments… that there is no case to begin with,” she said.
The 79-year-old former leader is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection to his controversial war on drugs, which claimed thousands of lives. He is currently being held in a detention facility in The Hague, awaiting a confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23.
Sara said her father has adjusted to the detention center, with medical staff attending to his needs and Filipino-style rice now being served. “He’s feeling better now. He’s also getting the rice we requested—cooked perfectly,” she added, noting he also requested his personal clothes and diet cola.
Earlier that day, Sara addressed a large crowd of supporters gathered at Malieveld in The Hague. Many chanted “bring him home,” believing Duterte’s transfer to the ICC was unlawful.
“He was summarily transported to The Hague. To lawyers, it’s extrajudicial rendition. For others, it’s simply kidnapping,” said Salvador Medialdea, Duterte’s former executive secretary.
The ICC prosecutor’s arrest application accused Duterte of leading a campaign of violence against civilians in the Philippines, primarily targeting poor individuals suspected—often without evidence—of drug involvement.
While families of victims see the proceedings as a path to justice, Duterte loyalists believe the case is politically motivated, sparked by a rift with the current administration.
