MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday debunked viral social media claims that former President Rodrigo Duterte would be released from the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) next week, stressing that she never made such an announcement and that the ICC has no scheduled hearing or order concerning his release.
Speaking after visiting her father in The Hague, Netherlands, Duterte-Carpio said posts circulating online misrepresented her remarks during a recent gathering in London.
“Wala akong sinabi doon sa speech ko na lalabas si 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,” she said.
The Vice President emphasized that anyone can verify the status of the case through the ICC’s official calendar, which, she said, contains no proceedings related to the former president’s possible release.
“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 said.
Duterte-Carpio likewise provided an update on her father’s condition, saying the former president remains in good spirits while in ICC custody.
She described him as “very good” and “very happy,” adding that supporters had gathered outside the detention facility to show their continued support.
According to the Vice President, the former chief executive left it to his supporters to decide whether they wanted to spend money to travel and visit him.
“Sabi niya gawin nyo na lang daw kung ano yung nasa puso ninyo,” she shared.
She also said her father has adapted well to life in the Netherlands despite the country’s weather, noting that he has always been more comfortable in warm climates than in cold ones.
“Mas gusto niya ang mainit kaysa sa malamig. Hindi siya maka-tolerate ng sobrang lamig,” Duterte-Carpio said./PN
