While detained in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity, former president Rodrigo Duterte is exploring options under Dutch law to seek provisional release, according to Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a video released by her office on June 3, the Vice President revealed that the idea to study legal remedies available in the Netherlands was suggested by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. “I can do that while I’m back in the Philippines, I will work on it online,” she added.
The Vice President and her mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, visited Duterte on May 30—marking their second visit since his arrest on May 11 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He was flown out within hours aboard a private jet and is now in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
During the 90-minute meeting, Sara Duterte said she only shared information already in the public domain, in line with legal advice. This included updates on the challenge to the ICC’s jurisdiction and their efforts to secure an interim release based on provisions in the Rome Statute.
She also quoted her father’s message to his supporters: “Tell them I am eternally grateful for your showing of support and I recognize your sacrifice which you do not have to do so you can now go home.”
The Vice President shared that the former president seemed in good spirits, asking about family members, including his son Paolo and daughter Kitty, whose billboard he saw in Manila. “He was proud of it,” she said.
In a lighter moment, she recalled Duterte joking about his sleepless nights: “Sometimes I cannot sleep because I think of your mother.” She added, “His style of sweet talk with beautiful women remains.”
Sara Duterte also mentioned that Honeylet Avanceña, the former president’s long-time partner, is expected to arrive in The Hague on June 5, while she and her brother, incoming Davao vice mayor Sebastian Duterte, are returning to Manila.
The Vice President recounted telling her father about the May 31 gathering of supporters in The Hague—which also happened to be her 47th birthday. The event featured speeches from political allies including Sen. Imee Marcos, senator-elect Dante Marcoleta, Sen. Robin Padilla, and Harry Roque. “It was mixed feelings as we gathered because President Duterte is detained,” she said, “but I am so happy as Filipinos gathered for a single cause and that is requesting ICC to send PRRD home.”
