VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte remained tight-lipped when directly questioned by reporters on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, about the swirling rumors of the alleged release of former President Rodrigo Duterte from International Criminal Court (ICC) detention.
During a media interaction in The Hague, she sidestepped inquiries about the former president’s status, stating, “I don’t know the truth, but I cannot comment because I don’t know if I’m allowed to.”
Instead of confirming or denying the reports, she directed the media to seek information from his legal representative.
“The easiest way is probably to ask the lawyer of former President Duterte, Atty. Nicholas Kaufman,” she suggested.
Meanwhile, she extended her gratitude to supporters who continue to gather in The Hague and across the world, acknowledging their “love and support” during a challenging time.
Responding to a question about the recent gathering of her father’s supporters in The Hague, Duterte stated, “To our countrymen around the world and in the Philippines who continue to show their love and support for former President Duterte, we are grateful.”
“We know, former President Rodrigo Duterte knows, that the rallies, gatherings, and calls that have transpired were very difficult,” she added, recognizing the efforts of his loyal base.
The vice president also reiterated a sentiment she expressed previously, hoping that her father would be granted the opportunity to return to the Philippines to serve the people, “especially our countrymen who love him.”
She acknowledged the public’s desire to see him “freed and return,” recalling the “changes they saw in the country when he was our President.”
Duterte shared her personal involvement, stating, “And we, the family, especially me, because I am now going around Filipino communities abroad, inviting them to feel the pain and to warm them up to what happened in his life.”
She expressed thanks to all those who traveled to The Hague, Netherlands, “because of their love for our countrymen.”
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