The Hague, Netherlands – The team of former President Rodrigo Duterte is doing everything possible to bring him back home to the Philippines. However, Vice President Sara Duterte made it clear: they will only pursue legal methods to secure his return.
Their strategy includes filing a petition for interim release, which is a legal request to allow Duterte to leave detention while the case against him is still ongoing.
Fighting for Duterte’s Freedom
Vice President Sara Duterte and Lead Counsel Nicholas Kaufman emphasized that their top priority is to get Duterte released and back home as soon as possible.
“Why shouldn’t he go back? The Philippines is his country—it’s where he was born. As far as I’m concerned, he has been illegally detained here, and he should return as soon as possible,” Kaufman said.
Duterte, who is currently running for mayor of Davao City, also has strong support from his hometown. Many Davaoeños insist that he should be there, serving the city instead of being held in The Hague.
“We must do everything we can to bring our mayor back! If we don’t act now, nothing will happen. We have to exhaust all legal means,” one supporter said.
However, Kaufman remained tight-lipped about the specific legal strategies they will use, only confirming that they will indeed file a petition for Duterte’s interim release when the timing is right.
Will ICC Provide Legal Aid?
Vice President Sara Duterte previously mentioned that they were considering requesting legal aid from the ICC to help with the case. However, Kaufman dismissed this, saying that the ICC’s Office of the Public Counsel for the Defense (OPCD) only provides logistical and administrative support, not actual legal assistance.
“People love the former president, and I’m sure they would willingly contribute to fund his legal defense,” Kaufman added, hinting that private donations may be enough to cover the legal battle.
Family Rallies Behind Duterte
As the fight for Duterte’s release continues, his family is making plans to visit him in The Hague.
- His mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, is set to fly to the Netherlands soon to visit her son.
- His siblings are also working on getting their visas approved so they can join him for his 80th birthday on March 28.
With mounting legal efforts and strong family support, Duterte’s camp remains determined to bring him home. The big question now: Will the ICC approve his release?
