VP Sara: No plans yet to visit FPRRD anew at The Hague
By Ivy Tejano
Published Sep 18, 2025 05:05 pm
VICE President Sara Duterte (FB)
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte said on Thursday, Sept. 18, that she has not made any plans yet to visit her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
“I don’t have a schedule yet in The Hague. What comforts me is that we have relatives who regularly visit President Duterte, as allowed by the ICC detention unit,” Vice President Duterte said.
Vice President Duterte added that she was considering a personal visit after noticing changes in the patriarch’s mood. She only heard through a phone communication that her father’s mood has shifted lately.
“I asked Kitty (Veronica Duterte) what was happening and why there were no calls, and she said President Duterte feels frustrated because he cannot do anything about the situation,” the Vice President said.
Vice President Duterte agreed that phone calls make communication difficult. “It’s different when you are physically present. You can see each other’s emotions, and that brings comfort,” she said.
Former President Duterte’s ex-wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, and their grandchildren, Rep. Omar Duterte and siblings, acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II and Isabelle Duterte, are currently in The Hague to visit him.
Rep. Paolo Duterte’s eldest son, Omar, said in an interview with Duterte supporters in The Hague that his grandfather appeared well when he, his sister, and his grandmother visited him.
“He is doing fine. He’s okay. We had a long chat with Isabelle and our grandmother, Elizabeth. We are very happy for the opportunity to talk to him and grateful since we were with our grandmother,” Rep. Omar said.
Zimmerman said she noted changes in former President Duterte’s appearance. She described that the elder Duterte has grown a beard, which Rep. Omar said looks good on his grandfather.
“I did not like it, so I told him to shave, but he refused. Former President Duterte wants to maintain it until he goes out. I told him by Christmas he might already look like Santa Claus,” Zimmerman added.
Zimmerman and Rep. Omar, with Isabelle, thanked all Duterte supporters, especially those in The Hague who continuously visit the so-called Duterte St. and park despite the heavy downpour.
“To everyone who keeps supporting FPRRD and our family, thank you. That gives us strength – your support and devotion to him. Let’s continue to pray for his health and, of course, for the Philippines,” Rep. Omar said.