VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte has called on Filipinos to continue their moral support and prayers for her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, as his legal battle before the International Criminal Court (ICC) enters its second year.
In an interview conducted on Jan. 29, the Vice President confirmed that she remains in close contact with the former leader, who has been in ICC custody since March 2025.
Addressing rumors regarding dissatisfaction with the former president’s defense team, VP Duterte clarified that there are no plans to replace his current lawyers. She noted that while her father has provided specific instructions to the team led by Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, those details remain confidential.
“He said it’s not about replacing them,” the Vice President shared, explaining that her father remains engaged with the legal process despite the ongoing jurisdictional challenges being reviewed by the Appeals Chamber.
A message to supporters on ‘Duterte Street’
The vice president expressed deep gratitude for the “Duterte Street” supporters—Filipinos living in or traveling to the Netherlands who gather to show moral support.
“I am thankful because it’s been almost a year, and I’m sure it will go beyond another year,” she said. “They spend their own money to come here and show support to the whole world, not just here in the Netherlands”.
She emphasized that this presence significantly impacts the former President’s morale:
The Vice President noted that the daily presence of supporters helps maintain her father’s spirits while in detention.
She shared a lighthearted moment where the former president asked if the people outside still greet her, to which she confirmed that the Filipino community remains warm and welcoming.
As the ICC Appeals Chamber, presided over by Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza , considers new defense submissions regarding the Court’s authority to exercise jurisdiction after the Philippines’ withdrawal, the Vice President urged supporters to stay grounded in faith.
“The most important thing is prayer, because the power of prayer is very strong when many people pray together,” she concluded.
