Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday said she accepts the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to move forward with the trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity.
Speaking in an interview in The Hague, Duterte confirmed that their camp recognizes the ICC’s ruling affirming its jurisdiction over the former leader, as well as the confirmation of charges tied to killings linked to his anti-drug campaign during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president. “Well, I accepted it as it is. Napag-usapan na rin namin ‘yun ng mga abogado na we don’t see any way that ICC will let go of the case of President Duterte,” the Vice President said. “So, we don’t think that they will let this go,” she added. She further said that the legal team is now focused on preparing for trial, saying the development was expected. “Same lang [with the confirmation of charges]—na this will go to trial. And the best way to move forward is to prepare for trial,” she said. The young Duterte also shared updates on her father’s condition after visiting him, saying he appeared to be in good health. “Okay lang naman. He looked well. He looks healthy and wala naman siyang mga problema. I suggested na magpa-physiotherapy siya but he refused,” she said. She expressed gratitude to supporters who continue to show solidarity. “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, thanking Filipinos for their continued support. “Undying din yung pagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga kababayan natin," she added. She continued, “In fact, kanina, as you mentioned, to bring the message to him, sabi mo, hindi kayo susuko. So, pinaabot ko din sa kanya, sabi ko, nagsabi sila na hindi sila susuko. At sabi niya na sumuko na daw kayo. Sumuko na daw kayo. Well, hindi ko alam kung joke yun or hindi...For PRD, I would take it as a joke. And of course, ako personally, yung lakas ko lang talaga galing talaga sa mga tao. Sa totoo lang, iniwan na siguro ako lahat ng mga kaibigan ko na politiko pero hindi ako iniwan ng mga outside. ”
