DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte backs the request filed by the legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte seeking interim release from detention by the International Criminal Court at The Hague, Netherlands due to health concerns over the former leader’s age.
FORMER President Duterte (FB)
In a press briefing following the Pasidungog 2025 of the Office of the Vice President here on Monday, Vice President Duterte said the interim release would be in the best interest of her father, who is now 80.
“For me, that would be for his benefit. He’s already 80-years-old and does not meet all the needs of someone that the ICC detention unit provides. He’s not just a senior citizen – he’s probably what you’d call a super senior at this point,” Vice President Duterte said.
The Vice President emphasized that it would likely be better if the former Chief Executive were granted interim release and had access to nurses and caregivers who could assist him. She said her father is the oldest person held by the ICC, so his health and well-being should come first.
Vice President Duterte deferred to the defense team on which third country may host former President Duterte during his interim release.
She said only Atty. Nicholas Kaufman could comprehensively answer such questions, like how the request for interim release came about and which country was consulted.
Vice President Duterte said that the family had no say in choosing the potential host country and emphasized that no assistance came from the ICC and that everything came from former President Duterte’s legal team.
According to Vice President Duterte, the request for interim release has been submitted and is publicly available on the ICC website.
She said some parts of the request were kept confidential, but the main details – like the reasons and explanations from the defense – can be accessed by the public, prosecutors, judges, and victim representatives.
The Duterte patriarch is facing charges related to alleged crimes against humanity stemming from the bloody war on drugs during his administration. His legal team led by Kaufman is now awaiting a decision on the request.
Vice President Duterte refused to comment further on the legal and procedural aspects of the request, saying additional questions should be directed to Kaufman.