Vice President Sara Duterte once again took to the streets—this time in The Hague—leading another “Free Duterte Now” protest to call for the release of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who remains in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Speaking to reporters during the rally, Duterte emphasized that the protest was about more than her father. “This is not about president Rodrigo Roa Duterte. This is about a Filipino who was illegally taken from his country and brought to another country for detention, to be imprisoned,” she said.
The former president faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his controversial anti-drug campaign. Despite this, Sara Duterte has remained vocal in opposing the ICC’s jurisdiction and actions.
Recounting a recent visit to her father, she shared that he had asked whether many people would show up at the rally. Her reply: “Even if no one goes, we will still rally. Even if no one listens to us, we will still speak.”
She also confirmed earlier statements from her mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, about the former president’s physical state, saying he has lost considerable weight and appears “messy.” However, she dismissed rumors that he is hospitalized. “PRD is okay. He is in a good mood now. He is a bit naughty… He also mentioned his girlfriends,” she added.
Sara Duterte also disclosed that the ICC has prohibited the legal team from taking or releasing any photos of Duterte. “The lawyers are not allowed to release or take pictures of their clients. If they do it, they may be removed,” she explained.
As for any updates on a potential release, the Vice President said the case remains under review and no definite timeline has been given. She reiterated their call for interim release due to her father’s age and health while legal proceedings are ongoing.
The Vice President is scheduled to visit South Korea on July 27 to meet with members of the Filipino community and confirmed she will not attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address. She stood by her earlier decision to cut ties with the Marcos family.
