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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara says PRRD in 'quiet reflection' on God, universe amid ICC proceedings

VP Sara says PRRD in 'quiet reflection' on God, universe amid ICC proceedings

Published May 7, 2026 11:18 am

At A Glance

  • VP Sara Duterte says former President Rodrigo Duterte is 'subdued' and reflective amid ICC proceedings
  • ICC prosecutors oppose Duterte's appeal against the confirmation of charges
  • The ICC earlier formed the Trial Chamber as Duterte's crimes against humanity case moves toward trial
Vice President Sara Duterte says former President Rodrigo Duterte has been in “quiet reflection” about God and the universe as he faces trial proceedings before the ICC in The Hague. (Screenshot from OVP video)
Vice President Sara Duterte says former President Rodrigo Duterte has been in “quiet reflection” about God and the universe as he faces trial proceedings before the ICC in The Hague. (Screenshot from OVP video)
Vice President Sara Duterte said her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD), has been in a subdued and reflective mood as he faces proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague over allegations tied to his anti-drug campaign.
In a video interview released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Thursday, May 7, Duterte shared details of her recent conversation with her father, saying their discussion focused on God, the universe, and questions of faith.
“Okay lang. Okay ang visit. Ang pinag-usapan namin is about God and the universe and whether or not may God in relation to the universe (It was okay. The visit was fine. What we talked about was God and the universe, and whether or not there is a God in relation to the universe),” the Vice President said in the interview conducted on May 6 in the Netherlands.
She described the former president as neither happy nor sad, but contemplative amid the ongoing legal developments.
“He's not joyous. He's not sad. Siguro (Maybe) because of the quiet reflection about God and the universe and whether or not merong Diyos o wala (there is a God or none). Medyo (somehow), subdued, that's the term,” the Vice President shared.
Duterte also said her father did not relay any specific message to the public but reflected on the relationship between the universe and the existence of God.
“Wala siyang specific kasi hindi ko rin siya natanong kanina kung may message siya pero sabi lang niya na gusto ko lang i-share ‘yung nasabi niya kanina na (He did not have anything specific because I also did not ask him earlier if he had a message, but he just said that he wanted me to share what he mentioned earlier) — you cannot talk about the universe without thinking if there is a God or not,” she added.
Former President Duterte is facing strong opposition from ICC prosecutors, who have asked judges to reject his bid to appeal the confirmation of charges related to alleged extrajudicial killings during his time as Davao City mayor and later as president.
In a 12-page filing dated May 4, prosecutors argued that Duterte’s defense “misinterprets and expresses mere disagreement” with the ruling and failed to present legitimate grounds for appeal.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/05/dutertes-appeal-on-confirmed-charges-opposed-by-icc-prosecution
The ICC has also formally constituted the Trial Chamber that will handle Duterte’s case, marking a key step toward full trial proceedings over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.
In a decision dated April 24, the ICC Presidency said the chamber will be composed of Judges Joanna Korner, Keebong Paek, and Nicolas Guillou.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/28/duterte-case-moves-forward-as-icc-names-trial-chamber-judges
The development came after the ICC confirmed all charges against Duterte, paving the way for a full trial.
In a 50-page decision dated April 23, Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that there are “substantial grounds to believe” that Duterte committed the crimes charged and ordered the case committed to trial.
The Appeals Chamber also affirmed the ICC’s jurisdiction over Duterte’s case a day before the confirmation of charges was issued.
According to the chamber, the confirmation means the case has met the legal threshold required to proceed to trial, where Duterte’s guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/23/icc-confirms-charges-vs-duterte-orders-trial-to-proceed
The Vice President is in the Netherlands as her father faces legal proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
Malacañang earlier confirmed that the Office of the President approved Vice President Duterte’s revised foreign travel schedule from May 2 to 15.
A Palace official said the travel authority issued on April 28 covers visits to the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Duterte initially sought clearance to travel from April 23 to May 15 before submitting a revised itinerary.
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/06/vp-sara-shares-prrd-message-to-filipinos-mahal-niya-ang-pilipinas-mahal-niya-kayo

Related Tags

Rodrigo Duterte ICC case Sara Duterte Netherlands visit ICC trial Rodrigo Duterte Duterte war on drugs case Rodrigo Duterte crimes against humanity
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