MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio confirmed she can no longer share details about her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who remains detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, citing strict rules imposed by detention officials.
In a transcript released by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, Duterte-Carpio said the family has been reminded to observe visitation protocols.
“Ni-remind kami ng detention unit na mayroong kailangang sundin na mga conditions sa visit. So, from now on, bawal ikuwento kung ano yung mga nangyari sa loob at ano ‘yung mga pinag-usapan sa loob,” she said.
The Vice President added: “I can only say na President Duterte is still alive. ‘Yan lang po.”
The confirmation of charges hearing for the former president is set for September 23. Duterte-Carpio said their family is still finalizing schedules to determine who will attend.
“Inaayos pa namin ‘yung schedule namin. So, hindi pa namin alam kung sino ‘yung makakarating sa September 23 para sa confirmation of charges,” she said. “But likely, merong relatives na darating. Sigurado ‘yun kasi kailangan talaga na merong — sabi ko sa kanila, kailangan talaga na merong bumibisita sa kanya whenever allowed ng detention unit na pwede magbisita.”
Before the ICC proceedings, the Vice President will visit Japan for gatherings with the Filipino community in Tokyo and Nagoya on September 20 and 21.
“So ‘yung buong weekend na ‘yun, Saturday, Sunday, merong Filipino community gathering sa Japan. And I understand, meron din dito sa The Hague. And likely, marami din sa loob ng Philippines,” she said.
Upon returning to the Philippines, Duterte-Carpio will head to the Bicol Region for the Peñafrancia Festival, where she also intends to meet with local leaders, including her predecessor, now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.
“Ang immediate ko na schedule pagbalik sa Pilipinas ay sa Bicol Region. Dahil celebration nila ng Peñafrancia at merong mga small gatherings kami doon, sectoral gatherings para sa mga issues naman sa Bicol na I’m sure, biktima din ng corruption ng projects sa gobyerno,” she said.
“Hindi pa namin nagawa ‘yung schedule namin. Pero yes, gusto sana namin na ma-meet ‘yung mga local government officials ng — hindi lang ng Naga, ng entire Bicol Region, kung kakayanin ng schedule,” she added. “But mainly, nandoon kami to celebrate with the Bicolanos. To pray with the Bicolanos sa pinakamalaking festival nila, ang Peñafrancia Festival.”
Duterte and Robredo also met during last year’s Peñafrancia celebration in Naga, with the Vice President stressing that courtesy visits to former vice presidents form part of her official duties./PN
