VICE President Sara Duterte has traveled back to The Hague, Netherlands, days after the International Criminal Court’s Appeals Chamber denied former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release.
Speaking with supporters on Monday, Dec. 1, the Vice President said she was able to visit her father, who has been detained at the ICC facility since March. She relayed a message from the former leader: “Natanggap nya lahat daw ng messages nyo… He knows all about your prayers. Do not sacrifice your health staying out in the cold,” she told the crowd, herself bundled tightly in winter clothing.
Sara Duterte described the visit as “a good day,” sharing that their conversation focused largely on politics. “May konting usapan about sa pamilya pero karamihan sa politics at kung ano yung nangyayari sa bayan,” she said.
The Appeals Chamber on Nov. 28 unanimously rejected the defense’s appeal for interim release, emphasizing concerns that the former president could undermine or evade the proceedings due to his wide base of political support.
Judges cited Duterte’s victory in the May 2025 Davao City mayoral race as one factor in their ruling.
The defense team is still awaiting key developments, including the ICC Appeals Chamber’s decision on their challenge to the court’s jurisdiction and a medical report assessing Duterte’s fitness to stand trial.
The expert panel’s findings are expected on Dec. 5.
Duterte’s lawyers maintain that he is medically unfit to face trial, a claim that previously led to the suspension of his Sept. 23 confirmation-of-charges hearing.
They have also asked the court to adjourn all proceedings on humanitarian grounds.