VICE President Duterte
DAVAO CITY – Australia is among the countries being considered for President Rodrigo Duterte's interim release from International Criminal Court custody, Vice President Sara Duterte said.
“Australia is one of the countries identified by the legal team. However, I am not here about that,” Vice President Duterte said during a visit to Australia.
Vice President Duterte clarified that her trip aimed to engage the Filipino community and raise awareness about the ICC proceedings involving former President Duterte.
“I came to speak with Filipinos here and share updates on the ICC case involving the former President, as well as developments in our country under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration,” she said.
The Vice President also revealed that she attempted to schedule a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong but the she was unavailable.
Vice President Duterte took part in the “Free Duterte Now” gathering in Melbourne, where she voiced concerns about what she described as unfair treatment of her father by the ICC.
She urged Filipinos to unite to draft a position paper supporting her appeal and help raise awareness of her father’s case by engaging with Australian media and sharing information through social media platforms.
Former President Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency.
Although he remains in ICC custody at The Hague, his legal team has requested temporary release, citing his advanced age—he is now 80—and arguing that he poses no flight risk.
Vice President Duterte returned to the Philippines on Tuesday afternoon, June 24, from Australia.