Sara Duterte Accepts ICC’s Grip on Father’s Case, Urges Defense to Prepare for Trial

Key facts

• Sara Duterte visited former President Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague.
• The ICC Appeals Chamber confirmed jurisdiction over Rodrigo Duterte on April 22.
• Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed charges against Rodrigo Duterte on April 23; his camp seeks permission to appeal.
• The ICC Trial Chamber III ordered a review of Rodrigo Duterte’s continued detention on May 1.
• Rodrigo Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges linked to the anti-drug campaign as mayor of Davao City and as president.
• Sara Duterte stated that the ICC will not release the case, as it is one of only two ongoing ICC cases.
• The vice president advised her father to undergo physiotherapy, but he refused.

Vice President Visits Detained Former Leader in The Hague

Vice President Sara Duterte has visited her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, at the International Criminal Court’s detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands, and described him as “well” and in good condition. Speaking to the Filipino community there, she said, “He looks well. He looks healthy. He doesn’t have any problem.” The visit comes as legal proceedings against the elder Duterte intensify. The ICC is prosecuting him for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s deadly anti-drug campaign, which began when he was mayor of Davao City and continued through his presidency. Sara Duterte’s assessment contrasts with her father’s own description of himself as “old, tired, and frail,” which he wrote in a letter to the Pre-Trial Chamber I in February, waiving certain rights to attend preliminary stages.

ICC Confirms Jurisdiction and Charges; Defense Seeks Appeal

On April 22, the ICC Appeals Chamber confirmed the court’s jurisdiction over Rodrigo Duterte, rejecting a bid to halt the probe. The following day, Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed the charges against him, a decision his legal team has sought permission to appeal. Sara Duterte said she has “accepted it as it is” regarding the jurisdiction ruling. She added that after discussions with their lawyers, “We don’t see any way that ICC will let go of the case of President Duterte. Since it is only one of two ICC [ongoing] cases, we don’t think that they will let this go.” Her remarks signal a pragmatic shift in the Duterte camp’s stance, moving from challenging the court’s authority to preparing for a full trial.

Detention Review Ordered as Trial Looms

On May 1, the ICC Trial Chamber III ordered a review of Rodrigo Duterte’s continued detention, directing parties to submit observations ahead of the next stage. The review will determine whether the legal grounds for his detention still exist under ICC rules. Sara Duterte acknowledged the inevitability of the process: “This will really go to trial, and the best way to move forward is to prepare for trial.” She expressed the same sentiment regarding the confirmation of charges, reinforcing that the defense must now focus on trial readiness. The vice president’s comments indicate that the Duterte family is bracing for a prolonged legal battle, with little expectation that the ICC will drop the case.

Former President Declines Physiotherapy Despite Daughter’s Advice

During her visit, Sara Duterte said she suggested that her father undergo physiotherapy, but he refused. “I suggested that he undergo physiotherapy, but he refused… So, we’ll see tomorrow if we can convince him to undergo physiotherapy, in lieu of what should be his daily exercise,” she added. The exchange highlights the former president’s personal condition as he remains in ICC custody. While the vice president described him as healthy, his refusal of physiotherapy and earlier characterization of himself as frail raise questions about his physical state. No further details were provided about his daily routine or medical care at the detention center.

Supporters Greet Vice President in The Hague

Sara Duterte expressed gratitude for the presence of supporters during her visit, though she tempered her remarks given the circumstances. “I wouldn’t say that I am happy to be back because of the situation of President Duterte. But I am happy to see all of you again,” she said, addressing the crowd. The vice president’s trip to The Hague underscores the family’s effort to maintain public solidarity amid the legal crisis. Her father’s detention has become a rallying point for his supporters, who view the ICC case as politically motivated. Meanwhile, back in the Philippines, separate impeachment proceedings against Sara Duterte herself are advancing, with the House set to vote on articles of impeachment on May 11.

Political Stakes Rise as Impeachment Vote Nears

The vice president faces her own political challenges at home. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on impeachment articles against her on May 11, a process that could remove her from office if approved. Critics have accused her of various offenses, though she has remained unfazed, according to public statements. Despite the impeachment threat, Sara Duterte continues to lead in presidential preference polls. A recent Pulse Asia survey showed her topping a six-way race, indicating enduring popularity among voters. The convergence of the ICC case against her father and the impeachment proceedings against her creates a volatile political landscape, with the Duterte family at the center of both domestic and international legal battles.

Outlook: A Family’s Legal and Political Crossroads

Sara Duterte’s acceptance of the ICC’s trajectory marks a turning point for the Duterte camp. By urging preparation for trial rather than continued resistance, she is signaling a strategic shift that acknowledges the court’s momentum. However, the former president’s defense team still has avenues to challenge the proceedings, including the pending appeal of the charges confirmation. The detention review ordered by Trial Chamber III could also alter the conditions of his custody. As the Duterte family navigates overlapping legal and political crises, the coming weeks will test their resilience. The ICC trial, if it proceeds, will be a landmark case, while the impeachment vote in Manila could reshape the country’s leadership.

The bottom line

• Sara Duterte has accepted the ICC’s jurisdiction and charges against her father, urging the defense to prepare for trial.
• Rodrigo Duterte remains in ICC custody, with a detention review ordered for May 1.
• The former president is in good health but refused physiotherapy during his daughter’s visit.
• The ICC case is one of only two ongoing cases at the court, reducing the likelihood of dismissal.
• Sara Duterte faces impeachment proceedings in the Philippines, with a House vote scheduled for May 11.
• Despite political challenges, Sara Duterte leads in presidential preference polls.