Vice President Sara Duterte, accompanied by her mother Elizabeth Zimmerman, visited former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague on Friday, May 30. The visit took place ahead of the Vice President’s 47th birthday on Saturday, May 31.

The Vice President and her mother spent an hour with the former president before speaking with supporters gathered outside the facility. Vice President Duterte said she updated her father on the results of the recent Philippine elections, sharing news about the wins of PDP-Laban senatorial bets like re-electionist Senators Bong Go and Ronald Dela Rosa, as well as Rep. Rodante Marcoleta. She also informed him of the victories of PDP-Laban’s adopted candidates, Senator-elect Camille Villar and re-electionist Senator Imee Marcos.

During the visit, Vice President Duterte mentioned that Senator Imee Marcos, who traveled with her to The Hague, was not permitted to visit the former president. “He was thankful (to Senator Imee). He wants to speak with Senator Imee but she was not allowed. But he said there will be another time for that,” the Vice President relayed. She clarified that Senator Marcos has no direct role in her father’s ICC case, stating, “She has no role, either in the defense or there in the ICC prosecution case.” Only relatives and lawyers are generally allowed detainee visits.

The Vice President also shared a message from her father to their supporters: “We are all ruled by destiny and I am here because of my destiny, whether rightly or wrongly.” She added that he was happy to see them for a pre-birthday visit.

On the subject of his oath of office as Davao City mayor, which he won despite his detention, Vice President Duterte said they discussed it, and his lawyers are now looking into how he can take it. She quoted him as initially saying, “Set me free and I will take an oath.” She expressed hope that lawyers could facilitate his return home soon, emphasizing that “we in Davao City need our mayor.”

When asked about the recent survey results regarding her own impeachment case, Vice President Duterte stated her agreement with the findings, noting, “I totally agree. I am part of that 88 percent. I am thankful for the opportunity to clear my name about the accusations against me.” She also said that the change in the start date of her impeachment proceedings does not affect her, leaving the strategic implications of the delay to her legal team.

Regarding reconciliation with President Marcos, Vice President Duterte opted not to comment, asserting that “personal problems of individuals are not important. What is important is the people and our nation.”

Former President Duterte was arrested on March 11 upon his arrival from Hong Kong, at the request of the ICC as part of its investigation into his “war on drugs.” The ICC warrant alleges that as president, he created, funded, and armed death squads responsible for extrajudicial killings of alleged drug users and dealers. He was immediately brought to The Hague and appeared via video link before ICC judges on March 14. He is set to attend a confirmation of charges hearing on September 23.