Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has barred the Duterte family from providing updates about former President Rodrigo Duterte’s detention.
Duterte said the ICC detention unit reminded them of strict conditions prohibiting relatives from sharing details about events or conversations inside the facility.
“We were reminded that we cannot tell what is happening or being discussed inside,” Duterte explained.
She emphasized that the only information she could confirm publicly was that her father remains alive. No further details about his condition or detention circumstances were disclosed.
The restrictions come as the Duterte family prepares for the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23 at the ICC. The case stems from the tribunal’s investigation into alleged crimes committed during Duterte’s presidency.
According to the vice president, the family is finalizing the list of members who will attend the proceedings. Attendance is expected to draw attention, given the high-profile nature of the case and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Duterte family.
The schedule also poses challenges for the vice president’s official duties. She is set to fly to Tokyo on September 20 for a Filipino community event. Another engagement is scheduled for September 21 in Nagoya, raising questions about her availability to attend the ICC hearing two days later.
