DUTERTE grandchildren.
DAVAO CITY – Davao City second district Rep. Omar Vincent, his younger brother, acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo II, and sister Isabelle —the children of first district Rep. Paolo Duterte —visited The Hague, Netherlands, to see their grandfather, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Former President Duterte’s grandchildren said that they are honored to see landmarks, such as Duterte St. and Duterte Park, named after their grandfather, and hoped that they will soon be allowed to visit him as he faces proceedings before the International Criminal Court.
Rep. Omar said in an interview with Alvin & Tourism on Thursday, Sept. 11, on behalf of his siblings, that they felt a “certain pride” knowing the former President’s legacy has reached distant communities. He added that Filipinos they met at The Hague always recommend visiting Duterte St. and Duterte Park.
“The local Filipinos we meet always tell us to go here. Even if they do not know us personally, they promote the Duterte St. and the Duterte Park. That shows how deep-seated our grandfather’s impact on the people is, even this far from home,” Rep. Omar said in Filipino.
He, however, admitted concern over delays in securing permission to visit former President Duterte. “We really do not understand why it takes this long for them to process our request. We’re his immediate family. And, it’s not like he is just across the street; we had to take a long flight to be here.”
Rep. Omar said they are grateful that the former President’s legal team continues to work on their request. He added that they are hoping that the ICC is doing the same, though they understand they are not the only visitors to attend and that they respect the court’s visitation policies.
“Maybe the ICC is also doing its best. We are very hopeful that we can finally visit our lolo while we are still here,” the lawmaker said, expressing concern for the patriarch, especially after the court decided to adjourn the confirmation of charges hearing against him on Sept. 23, to determine if he is fit to stand trial.
Rep. Omar said that, though the legal team assured them that the former President Duterte is fit and healthy, they cannot help but be concerned because, at 80-years-old, he is fragile, and they have not even been given a chance to see him. “There’s an air of uncertainty,” he added.