VERONICA and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte (Alvin and Tourism FB)
DAVAO CITY – Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte raised concerns over what he described as the inhumane treatment of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who remains in the International Criminal Court detention facility at the age of 80.
“He is 80-years-old, yet this is how the Philippine government and the head of the state, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., are treating him,” said the former President’s youngest son in an interview with Alvin & Tourism following a visit to his father at The Hague on Monday, Aug. 25.
Mayor Duterte criticized Marcos, saying his pronouncements often contradict his actions. “Whenever he says something, the opposite happens, because the president’s mind is unclear,” he said.
Appealing to the international community, Mayor Duterte called on The Hague in the Netherlands, where the ICC is based, to weigh humanitarian considerations in his father’s case and open a discussion if he should stay or be released.
“The Dutch are very sensitive when it comes to human rights. They should open the debate on why an 80-year-old individual is in detention. What crime has he really committed?” Mayor Duterte said.
Despite his condition, Mayor Duterte said former President Duterte asked about developments in Davao City.
Mayor Duterte thanked their supporters and urged them to continue pressing for reforms. “I deeply love you all, and so does Rody Duterte. Thank you for your unwavering support. Long live, and never stop pursuing genuine change.”
Mayor Duterte and his older brother, Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte, and younger sister, Veronica Duterte, visited their father on Tuesday.
Veronica said the former President is expected to see all four of his children within the week.