Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that a third country has agreed to host her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, should the International Criminal Court approve his interim release.
She said she personally coordinated with foreign contacts to secure a potential host nation for her father. Duterte explained that she did not trust anyone in the Philippines to guarantee his safety, which prompted her to reach out to acquaintances abroad.
While she did not identify the country, the Vice President clarified that it is not Japan, where she recently traveled to deliver a speech before Filipinos.
The confirmation comes as the ICC continues to deliberate on Duterte’s petition for interim release. The former president faces charges related to his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
The ICC Office of the Prosecutor earlier opposed Duterte’s request, citing concerns that his temporary release could compromise the investigation or endanger the safety of witnesses and victims. The prosecutor argued that granting release would pose risks to the integrity of the case.
Vice President Duterte’s disclosure highlights the international dimension of the ongoing proceedings. With her direct involvement in seeking support from other countries, questions arise over the political and diplomatic implications if the ICC grants the request.
As of now, the ICC has yet to rule on Duterte’s motion for interim release, while discussions over possible arrangements outside the Philippines continue.
