VP Sara Duterte Discusses Visit with Father Amid ICC Charges

Vice President Sara Duterte visited her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, noting that he appeared well-rested but missed Filipino food. Sara confirmed her father’s request for her to avoid leaving the Philippines during legal proceedings related to his charges before the ICC. The Vice President highlighted the legal challenges they face, asserting concerns over her father’s incarceration and jurisdiction issues surrounding his arrest.

Vice President Sara Duterte recently met with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, for the first time since he was detained on charges from the International Criminal Court in The Hague. During her visit, she observed he appeared well-rested, yet expressed a longing for Filipino cuisine, specifically inun-unan, a traditional dish. This visit took place in a designated area within the detention facility, although she did not see his actual quarters.

Sara, speaking to the media from outside the ICC, noted that during their one-hour conversation, her father urged her to return to the Philippines. She mentioned he repeatedly requested, “Do not leave the country. Do not leave the Philippines.” Sara responded with an understanding of his concerns, but indicated her presence in Europe was necessary due to legal obligations, as she is the only one authorized to meet with their legal counsel. Moreover, she is in the process of forming a legal team to address his situation, with the assistance of British attorney Nicholas Kaufman.

Additionally, she advised her father to promptly notify the facility’s medical staff if he encounters any health issues. Earlier, one of Duterte’s legal representatives, Harry Roque, articulated concerns regarding the manner of the former president’s arrest, questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction as a result. He expressed disappointment over the tribunal’s dismissal of the alleged kidnapping that took place during the arrest, which he argues undermines international justice.

Sara alleged that her father’s transfer to the ICC was akin to “extraordinary rendition” rather than lawful extradition. She asserted this was a form of kidnapping, stating, “That’s forcibly taking my father to another country and illegally arresting him.” Furthermore, she confirmed her willingness to defer decisions regarding an interim release to her legal team.

In light of recent events, Sara addressed concerns over search warrants issued for their family’s properties, advising her siblings to secure their belongings and comply with legal processes, despite potential planted evidence. The Police Regional Office 11 refuted any allegations of planned raids on her father’s Davao City residence.

Amidst these challenges, Sara expressed that the experiences have fortified her resilience and prepared her for future endeavors. She encouraged supports to attend a gathering in the Netherlands before her father’s upcoming 80th birthday, relaying a message from her father: “Tell them to relax, everything has an end. There will be a day of reckoning for all.”

In summary, Vice President Sara Duterte provided insights into her recent visit with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, highlighting his well-being and culinary cravings. She emphasized her commitment to returning home after coordinating with legal counsel, while also expressing concerns regarding her father’s arrest and jurisdiction issues relating to the ICC. The Vice President’s statements reflect a determined familial bond amidst the legal challenges their family faces, as they prepare for upcoming engagements.

Original Source: www.gmanetwork.com