VP Duterte renews criticism of ICC over former president’s case

THE HAGUE — Vice President Sara Duterte has renewed her criticism of the International Criminal Court, claiming that its proceedings against her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, have exposed what she described as the tribunal’s “reputation, interests, and agenda.”

In an interview conducted in The Hague on July 30 and released by the Office of the Vice President on July 31, Duterte said the case had revealed what she believes are fundamental problems within the international court.

“Now, the whole world sees what kind of organization the ICC is, and through the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, we have shown what kind of institution the ICC truly is,” she said in Filipino.

The vice president alleged that the complaint against her father and his transfer to The Hague were politically motivated and influenced by domestic political interests.

“It is all about politics,” Duterte said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino.

She also questioned the ICC’s handling of its investigation into the Philippine government’s anti-illegal drug campaign, alleging that conflicts of interest involved some of those connected with the initiation of the probe. She did not provide additional details in the interview to substantiate the allegation.

Concerns over pace of proceedings

Despite her criticism of the court, Duterte acknowledged that the proceedings against her father remain ongoing and that he continues to be detained.

She raised concerns about the pace of the case, citing the former president’s age and health. Rodrigo Duterte, now 81, has difficulty walking and has been experiencing various health problems, according to the vice president.

“They are still handling the case, he remains detained, and they are not speeding up the proceedings,” she said.

Duterte expressed hope that her father’s case would serve as an example for other countries assessing the ICC’s credibility and its role in the international justice system.

Former President Duterte is facing allegations of crimes against humanity in connection with killings linked to the anti-illegal drug campaign conducted during his administration.

The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, in 2019. The court has maintained, however, that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a party to the treaty.