Geline Salac

VP Sara denies rumors Duterte to be released by ICC

Article (news)

Bea Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

<p>Vice President Sara Duterte visited former President Rodrigo Duterte on July 28, providing updates on his condition while refuting social media claims regarding his status with the International Criminal Court (ICC).</p><p>When asked to address social media posts claiming she had stated during a London rally that former President Duterte would be released from ICC custody the following week, Vice President Duterte denied making such remarks, calling the claims false and taken out of context.</p><p>&quot;Wala akong sinabi doon sa speech ko na lalabas sa PRRD next week. Hindi ko alam kung saan nagsimula yung ganon pero definitely wala doon sa transcript na nagsabi ako na lalabas na si PRRD sa ICC… PRRD next week,&quot; she said.</p><p>She noted that the schedule published on the official ICC website lists no orders for release, showing only the schedule for the trial proper.</p><p>“Dahil alam naman natin lahat at nakikita natin sa ICC website yung schedule ng kanyang kaso at kung makikita natin na walang schedule ng hearing, ng release at ang meron lang schedule ay yung kanyang trial proper,” she explained.</p><p>Describing the former president’s demeanor during her visit as &quot;very good&quot; and &quot;very happy,&quot; the Vice President shared that supporters had gathered outside the venue to send their regards.</p><p>According to her, the former president advised well-wishers to do as they saw fit regarding travel expenses.</p><p>“Sabi niya gawin nyo na lang daw kung ano yung nasa puso ninyo,” she shared.</p><p>She added that the former president remained comfortable despite the warm weather in the Netherlands, noting his preference for heat over cold temperatures.</p><p>&quot;Mas gusto niya ang mainit kaysa sa malamig. Hindi siya maka-tolerate ng sobrang lamig,&quot; she explained.</p><div><strong>LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC DISCIPLINE</strong></div><p>When asked about rising concerns regarding youth violence and crimes occurring inside schools, Duterte attributed broader societal behavioral issues to a perceived absence of top-level leadership.</p><p>&quot;Ganyan kasi ang nangyayari, hindi lang sa kabataan, kundi sa lahat ng tao. Ganyan ang nangyayari kapag wala kasi nakikita na leadership. Nagkakanya-kanya yung mga tao,&quot; Duterte said.</p><p>She extended her critique to government employees and executive officials, stating that a breakdown in authority affects public discipline.</p><p>&quot;Kapag ganyan yung nakikita ng mga tao, nawawala yung respeto. Kapag nawawala yung respeto, nagkakanya-kanya lahat ng tao. That is a manifestation of a weak leadership,&quot; she added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/27/marcos-hails-unflinching-bravery-of-tacloban-school-shooting-victims-1741">Marcos hails &#x27;unflinching bravery&#x27; of Tacloban school shooting victims</a></div><div><strong>MESSAGES TO SUPPORTERS AND ARMED SERVICES</strong></div><p>Responding to questions about her message to the public, Duterte reiterated her gratitude to supporters across the country and overseas.</p><p>&quot;Para na ako sirang plaka po sa paulit-ulit na pagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga kababayan sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo,&quot; she said.</p><p>She also conveyed a direct statement from former President Duterte addressed to security forces.</p><p>&quot;Meron siyang mensahe pero in general kasi yung kanya pinadala na mensahe at sasabihin ko verbatim.  Sabi niya, my best wishes to the men and women and LGBT of the Philippine National Police and the armed forces of the Philippines. You are very close to my heart because you offer your lives for the country.&quot;</p><p>Concluding the interview, Duterte confirmed that she visited Senator Rodante Marcoleta following his court submission.</p><p>She stated that upon her return to the Philippines, she plans to carry out scheduled visits with various politicians and supporters currently in detention.</p><p>“Nagbisita ko sa kanya immediately after nung nag-submit siya sa court and I will speak to him very soon. Pagbalik ko ng Pilipinas, meron akong mga schedules na pagbisita sa mga... politicians and mga individuals na nagsusuporta ng mga politicians na nasa detention,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/7/vp-duterte-visits-detained-sen-marcoleta-after-plunder-arrest-0915">VP Duterte visits Sen. Marcoleta after plunder arrest</a></div>

<p>Vice President Sara Duterte visited former President Rodrigo Duterte on July 28, providing updates on his condition while refuting social media claims regarding his status with the International Criminal Court (ICC).</p>

Vice President Sara Duterte visited former President Rodrigo Duterte on July 28, providing updates on his condition while refuting social media claims regarding his status with the International Criminal Court (ICC).