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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICC's handling of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte's case exposes court's 'agenda' — VP Sara

ICC's handling of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte's case exposes court's 'agenda' — VP Sara

Published Jul 31, 2026 01:54 pm
Former President Rodrigo Duterte remains detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, criticizes the court’s handling of his crimes against humanity case and raises concerns over his age, health, and the pace of the proceedings. (MB Visual Content Group)
Former President Rodrigo Duterte remains detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, criticizes the court’s handling of his crimes against humanity case and raises concerns over his age, health, and the pace of the proceedings. (MB Visual Content Group)
Vice President Sara Duterte renewed her criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the proceedings involving former President Rodrigo Duterte have exposed what she described as the tribunal's "reputation, interests, and agenda."
In an interview in The Hague on July 30, released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Friday, July 31, Duterte said the case against her father has shown the international community what she believes are fundamental problems within the ICC.
ICC's credibility questioned
“Well, nakikita na ngayon ng buong mundo kung anong klase na organisasyon ang ICC at naipakita natin through the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte kung anong klaseng institusyon ang ICC (The whole world now sees what kind of organization the ICC is, and we have shown through the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte what kind of institution the ICC truly is),” Duterte said.
According to the Vice President, recent activities in support of the former president highlighted what she claimed was the political nature of the complaint filed before the tribunal.
"It is all about politics," Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino, alleging that the case and her father's transfer to The Hague were driven by local political interests.
She also questioned the ICC's handling of the investigation, claiming there were conflicts of interest involving those who initiated the probe into the Philippine government's anti-illegal drug campaign.
Raises concerns over pace of proceedings
Despite her criticisms, Duterte noted that the former president remains in detention while the case continues.
She pointed out that her father, now 81 years old, has difficulty walking and has been experiencing various health concerns.
"They are still handling the case, he remains detained, and they are not speeding up the proceedings," she said.
Hopes case becomes lesson for other countries
Duterte expressed hope that the case would serve as an "example" for other countries evaluating the ICC's credibility and role in international justice.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is facing allegations of crimes against humanity before the ICC in connection with his administration's anti-illegal drug campaign.
The ICC has maintained jurisdiction over alleged crimes allegedly committed while the Philippines was still a party to the Rome Statute, despite the country's withdrawal from the treaty in 2019. 

Related Tags

Sara Duterte Rodrigo Duterte International Criminal Court ICC case Crimes against humanity
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