Vice President Sara Duterte’s return to the Philippines is uncertain as she supports her father at the ICC in the Netherlands. She emphasizes her duty to ensure due process for all Filipinos. She maintains her responsibilities at the OVP while preparing for her impeachment, separating her legal counsel from her father’s defense.
Vice President Sara Duterte has stated that her return to the Philippines is still “uncertain” as she remains in the Netherlands to support her father, Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC). She emphasized the importance of due process for all Filipinos, not just her father’s situation.
During an online briefing, she expressed, “I do not wish to stay here. My children and family are there in the Philippines. As Vice President, I also have a duty to our fellow countryman, who is a Filipino citizen, who is held against his will here at the ICC detention center.” Additionally, she clarified that her actions are driven by her responsibilities as Vice President rather than familial ties.
Sara Duterte indicated she has a return ticket to the Philippines scheduled for April; however, her ability to return is contingent upon the status of her father’s defense team. Despite her absence from the country, she assures that she continues to fulfill her duties and oversee projects from the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
In relation to her ongoing impeachment preparations, she stated that preparations were initiated as early as 2023 and confirmed that her legal team for the impeachment will not intersect with her father’s defense at the ICC.
Vice President Sara Duterte remains in the Netherlands, expressing a commitment to both her father and her duties to the Philippine citizens. With plans for her return still ambiguous, she maintains oversight of her responsibilities at the OVP while preparing for her impending impeachment. Clearly, she strives to navigate personal and public obligations amid these complex circumstances.
Original Source: manilastandard.net
