Vice President Sara Duterte said their family has come to terms with the possibility that former President Rodrigo Duterte may never return to Davao City as he faces crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court.
According to the vice president, her father himself has acknowledged the risk that he could spend the rest of his life in detention. “Hindi na namin tinitingnan ‘yung chances of [ex-pres. Duterte] coming home eh… Kung makikita niyo roon sa statement niya sa court ay sinasabi niya, ‘Natanggap ko nang posible dito ako mamamatay sa kulungan ng ICC.'” she said.
The remarks come as proceedings move forward in The Hague, where ICC judges have opened confirmation of charges hearings against the former Philippine leader. Prosecutors are pursuing three counts of crimes against humanity linked to alleged extrajudicial killings connected to his anti-drug campaign during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.
During the hearings, prosecutors presented material they said demonstrates Duterte’s alleged involvement in orchestrating and supporting operations that resulted in killings. The chamber will assess the submissions and determine within approximately 60 days whether the evidence meets the threshold required to advance the case to a full trial.
Duterte did not appear in person at the hearing after waiving his presence, citing concerns related to his age and health. ICC judges had earlier ruled that he is physically and mentally capable of participating in the proceedings.
His legal team disputes the accusations, maintaining that the anti-drug campaign has been wrongly characterized and that there was no intention to promote unlawful violence. They also argue that public statements attributed to him have been misinterpreted.
If the charges are confirmed, the case will proceed to trial, where the court will hear witnesses and examine additional evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
