Vice President Sara Duterte is standing up for her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, claiming his arrest was unlawful and politically motivated.
What Happened?
On March 11, former President Duterte was arrested and taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC issued the warrant because of his controversial anti-drug campaign, which led to thousands of deaths.
VP Sara insists that her father was taken without a valid Philippine court warrant and that this was an illegal action. She calls it “extraordinary rendition,” meaning a person was taken from their country without proper legal process.
She also accuses the current Marcos administration of using government power and the ICC to silence political rivals.
Why Is VP Sara Angry?
- No Legal Warrant – She argues that the arrest was not approved by any Philippine court.
- Lack of Due Process – Duterte was taken without proper legal steps, violating his rights.
- No Action from the Military – VP Sara questions why the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) did not stop the arrest.
What Does the Government Say?
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. explained that the AFP’s role was only to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) when asked. He clarified that the military had no power to prevent the arrest.
Duterte’s Current Status
The former President is now in detention at the ICC prison in The Hague. He made his first court appearance via video on March 15.
What’s Next?
VP Sara is currently in the Netherlands, trying to bring her father back to the Philippines. She warns that if a former president can be taken so easily, what could happen to the country next?
This case has sparked major debate in the Philippines. Was the arrest truly illegal, or is this just justice being served?
