Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for allowing her to mend her relationship with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Speaking in The Hague, Netherlands, the vice president acknowledged the irony of the situation but credited Marcos for providing an opportunity for reconciliation.
“This really is ironic, but I have to thank Bongbong Marcos because there was forgiveness between me and [former President Rodrigo Duterte] for all that has happened in our lives,” she said.
She added that despite the circumstances, she now enjoys a closer father-daughter relationship.
A Surprising Bond Formed Behind Bars
Sara Duterte described her visits to the ICC Detention Centre as some of the longest and most meaningful conversations she has had with her father.
She reflected on how, growing up, her father was often too busy for extended family discussions.
“Now, I have this every day with him, talking about life, talking about family, and for that, I feel that I am blessed,” she said.
She emphasized that while it is unfortunate that their bonding happens within the ICC facility, she still sees it as a chance to reconnect.
“Sad that it has to happen inside the ICC. But yes, thank you to him,” she said, referring to Marcos.
Strengthening Family Ties Amid Controversy
Beyond her father, Duterte also shared that she has grown closer to her half-sister, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, in light of recent political challenges.
“I’m blessed because I gained a sister with what happened to me after the attacks—the confidential funds attacks, the impeachment—we have a relationship now. I have a relationship with Kitty,” she revealed.
Despite their renewed connection, the arrest of the elder Duterte remains a divisive issue in the Philippines. His supporters continue to stage protests against the Marcos administration, accusing it of betraying the former leader by cooperating with the ICC.
The vice president had previously been vocal in criticizing Marcos and his government for what she described as a willingness to work with an international body she claims has no jurisdiction over the former president.
ICC’s Jurisdiction Sparks Controversy
Rodrigo Duterte was arrested following an ICC order that linked him to crimes against humanity in connection with his war on drugs. His campaign, which ran from 2016 to 2022, allegedly led to the deaths of at least 6,000 individuals, though human rights groups estimate the number to be as high as 20,000.
Duterte’s legal team argues that his arrest is invalid, as the Philippines had withdrawn from the ICC in 2019 during his administration. However, legal experts and Malacañang maintain that the ICC still holds jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was a member of the Rome Statute, which it ratified in 2011.
Marcos has repeatedly stated that the Philippine government only cooperated with Interpol in enforcing the ICC’s warrant and did not act on its own accord.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Sara Duterte remains focused on the personal silver lining—being able to reconnect with her father in a way that was previously impossible.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.