Vice President Sara Duterte met with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in detention, where he expressed a desire for Filipino food and urged her not to leave the country. Legal challenges regarding his arrest and ICC jurisdiction were highlighted, with Sara alleging kidnapping by Filipino authorities. She emphasized the need for security during property searches and conveyed a hopeful message from her father to supporters.
Vice President Sara Duterte recently visited her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained pending charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). During their first meeting since his detention, she remarked that he appeared well-rested but missed traditional Filipino cuisine, particularly inun-unan, a type of fish stew. Sara explained that their conversation lasted an hour, where she reassured him of her commitment to return to the Philippines to assist with his legal matters.
In their dialogue, Vice President Duterte noted her father’s plea for her to remain in the Philippines, stating he implored her, “Do not leave the country. Do not leave the Philippines.” She clarified that despite her desire to return, she remains in Europe to liaise with his legal team, which now includes British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. She emphasized the necessity of forming a proper legal team and mentioned that her father should notify the detention facility’s medical staff if he experiences any discomfort.
Duterte’s legal representative, Harry Roque, has stated that the defense team plans to challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction based on the nature of the former president’s arrest, which they argue could potentially invalidate the court’s authority over his case. Roque expressed disappointment with the court’s prior rulings, stating that the issue of jurisdiction should be addressed promptly to avoid unnecessary legal proceedings.
In her comments, Vice President Sara described what she believes to be a form of kidnapping orchestrated by Filipino authorities, labeling it as “extraordinary rendition” from a legal standpoint, but kidnapping from a familial perspective. She expressed a sense of urgency regarding the safety of her family’s properties amid rumor of potential searches, urging her siblings to secure their valuables and comply with any legal proceedings without resistance.
Furthermore, Vice President Duterte reflected on how the trials their family is currently facing have fostered greater resilience in her. In support of her father, she organized a meet-and-greet event for their supporters in the Netherlands, leading up to former President Duterte’s 80th birthday. She conveyed a message of hope from her father, encouraging supporters to hold onto the belief that “everything comes to an end” and there will eventually be justice.
In conclusion, Vice President Sara Duterte recently shared insights from her visit with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, revealing his condition and expressing his desires amid his legal challenges. The events surrounding Duterte’s arrest and ongoing ICC proceedings have raised significant questions regarding jurisdiction, prompting his legal team to take action. As the family navigates these turbulent times, Sara remains a steadfast advocate for her father’s rights, reflecting resilience and commitment to their cause.
Original Source: www.gmanetwork.com
